Garvins Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Paul Swartz Pond Dam Kent Ingram Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Garvins Pond Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1940 and serves as a recreational reservoir on Cedar Creek.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 475 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, making it a popular spot for water enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating the need for maintenance and repair. The last inspection in August 2017 highlighted the dam's risk assessment as very high, emphasizing the importance of implementing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With its controlled spillway and limited associated structures, Garvins Pond Dam presents an opportunity for proactive maintenance and improvements to enhance its longevity and safety for the surrounding community.
As a private-owned dam regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Garvins Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a valuable asset for both recreational purposes and environmental conservation efforts. By addressing its current condition assessment and implementing necessary risk management measures, Garvins Pond Dam can continue to serve as a sustainable water resource for future generations of enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Garvins Pond Dam