Thomas W Sawyer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alice S Gaskin Dam J P Kneece Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Thomas W Sawyer Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, along Gully Creek, was completed in 1935 and stands at a height of 17 feet with a length of 495 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Owned privately, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. However, its risk assessment is classified as very high, indicating potential safety concerns that require attention. With a controlled spillway type and a surface area of 50 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region, making it an essential structure for both the local community and the environment.
As an earth dam with buttress core type, Thomas W Sawyer Dam is a significant feature in the Savannah District, providing not only water storage but also a recreational area for residents and visitors. With its historical significance and strategic location, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and risk management in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
GULLY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Thomas W Sawyer Dam