Baughmans Pond Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a private dam regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Completed in 1942, this earthen dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 540 feet along the Burcalo Creek. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 11 acres and a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Baughmans Pond Dam is currently in poor condition as indicated by a 2017 inspection. The dam is in need of improvements to ensure its long-term stability and safety. With a history of periodic inspections and state oversight, there is potential for the dam to be rehabilitated and restored to meet modern safety standards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the story of Baughmans Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure to mitigate risks and protect surrounding communities. As discussions around dam safety and climate resilience continue to evolve, the fate of dams like Baughmans Pond Dam will be closely monitored to ensure the preservation of both recreational opportunities and environmental integrity in the region.