Sandra C Sawyer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: George Ott Dam Kathleen S Collum Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sandra C Sawyer Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1951 and stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 500 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, providing a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet. The dam is situated on McTier Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Despite its low hazard potential, Sandra C Sawyer Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of August 2017. The dam is privately owned and falls under the jurisdiction of the state with permitting, inspection, and enforcement all carried out by the relevant state agencies. The dam's inadequate condition raises concerns for potential risks, although specific risk assessments and management measures have not been documented.
With its picturesque location and recreational purpose, Sandra C Sawyer Dam offers a tranquil setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. However, the dam's poor condition and outdated inspection records highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
MCTIER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Sandra C Sawyer Dam