Jimmy Gardner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Twin Lakes Dam J Lanier Kennerly Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jimmy Gardner Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1940 and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 300 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This privately owned Earth dam on Roberts Swamp serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed poor, warranting a closer inspection and potential maintenance or repairs.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Jimmy Gardner Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan and risk assessment status remain unspecified. With a designated inspection frequency of every five years, the dam's condition and safety measures require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the protection of the surrounding community and environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Jimmy Gardner Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. Despite its relatively low risk level, the dam's poor condition assessment raises concerns about its long-term stability and the potential need for repairs or upgrades. As a vital part of the local recreational infrastructure, the dam's ongoing monitoring and adherence to state regulations are essential to safeguarding its surrounding ecosystem and water resources.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
ROBERTS SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Jimmy Gardner Dam