Ray Campbell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ray Campbell Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes along Town Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19 feet and spanning 735 feet in length, this earth dam holds a storage capacity of 206 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 86 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in use and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2017, Ray Campbell Dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in case of failure. It is crucial for the owners and regulators to ensure that proper maintenance and risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential threats. The dam lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps, highlighting the need for improved preparedness and response strategies in case of emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ray Campbell Dam serves as a significant structure in the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and posing challenges in terms of safety and risk management. As a privately owned dam regulated by state authorities, it exemplifies the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities and the environment. Efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and address the dam's poor condition assessment are crucial steps towards safeguarding both the dam itself and the downstream areas it serves.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

735

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TOWN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Nid Storage

206

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.