Duncan Creek Wcd Dam 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Laurens, South Carolina, Duncan Creek WCD Dam 8, also known as Lawson Lake at Whitten Center, is a significant earth dam constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam stands at 26 feet high and spans a length of 778 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-SAND CREEK. With a storage capacity of 438 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding events in the area.

Managed by a local government agency, Duncan Creek WCD Dam 8 is regulated by the SC DHEC and undergoes regular inspections every two years. The dam has been assessed to have a fair condition as of February 2020, with a high hazard potential. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam still meets regulatory guidelines and has emergency action plans in place. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates pose some risks, but with proper risk management measures in place, the community can rest assured that the dam is being monitored and maintained effectively.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Duncan Creek WCD Dam 8 serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. With its historical significance and impact on the local ecosystem, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices. As climate change continues to pose challenges, dams like Duncan Creek WCD Dam 8 play a vital role in protecting communities and preserving water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

778

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

438

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.