Carolina Orchard Dam 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Carolina Orchard Dam 2, located in South Carolina's Cherokee County, serves as a crucial irrigation structure along the TR-Little Thickety Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this private earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches 325 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for irrigation, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, posing a low hazard potential.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Carolina Orchard Dam 2 undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in September 2017. The structure's enforcement, permitting, and regulatory aspects are all overseen by state authorities, ensuring compliance with safety standards. While the dam's current condition may raise concerns, its strategic location and essential role in water resource management highlight the need for continued monitoring and potential renovation efforts to enhance its longevity and effectiveness.
With Congressman Ralph Norman representing the district, Carolina Orchard Dam 2 stands as a vital component of the region's water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the dam's status and advocating for necessary improvements can contribute to safeguarding both the environment and the community's water supply. By understanding the dam's significance, its challenges, and the regulatory framework in place, individuals can support efforts to maintain this essential piece of South Carolina's water management infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE THICKETTY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
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