Culler Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Culler Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a historic structure completed in 1895 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 700 feet along Limestone Creek. With a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, the dam provides a surface area of 18 acres for recreational activities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in July 2017.

Managed by a private owner, Culler Dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). The dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. While the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not specified in the available data. The dam's location in a picturesque setting along Limestone Creek makes it a valuable resource for water recreation enthusiasts and climate advocates alike.

As one of the few recreational dams in the area, Culler Dam serves as a popular destination for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Its historical significance and natural beauty make it a notable landmark in Orangeburg, South Carolina. With ongoing assessments and potential updates to its emergency action plan, Culler Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the preservation of our natural surroundings.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

LIMESTONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Nid Storage

119

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.