Smiths Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smiths Pond, also known as Helen O Smith Dam, is a privately owned water resource located in Newberry, South Carolina.


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Summary

This dam, completed in 1959, serves primarily for irrigation purposes but also offers recreational opportunities. With a dam height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet, Smiths Pond covers a surface area of 20 acres and draws water from the TR-Bush River.

Despite its low hazard potential, Smiths Pond has been rated as being in poor condition, last inspected in October 2017. The dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring its compliance with state safety standards. While the dam does not have a spillway, its operation is overseen by state agencies to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smiths Pond offers a glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Its historical significance, coupled with its modern-day regulatory oversight, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both water supply and public safety. As a key player in the irrigation network of the area, Smiths Pond stands as a testament to the balance between human needs and natural resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

575

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-BUSH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Nid Storage

155

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.