Bethea Pond Dam 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bethea Pond Dam 1 Harpers Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bethea Pond Dam 2, located in Lancaster, South Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1960 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 19 feet and a length of 350 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Bear Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).
Despite its low hazard potential, Bethea Pond Dam 2 is in poor condition as of its last inspection in October 2017. The dam has been rated as having a moderate risk level, indicating potential concerns that may require attention in the future. The inspection frequency for this dam is every five years, with the next inspection scheduled for 2022. While the dam currently does not pose an imminent threat, ongoing maintenance and possible rehabilitation work may be needed to ensure its long-term stability and safety.
In the event of an emergency, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared for Bethea Pond Dam 2. It is important for the dam owner to work with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to develop an EAP that meets guidelines and ensures proper risk management measures are in place. With its recreational significance and location in a populated area, the safety and maintenance of Bethea Pond Dam 2 are crucial to protecting both the environment and the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bethea Pond Dam 2