Ruth B Ulmer Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 11 feet with a length of 555 feet.
Wind
Humidity
The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres. Situated on the TR-PROVIDENCE SWAMP river or stream, the dam is privately owned and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of July 2017. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date. The inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, with the last inspection taking place in July 2017. The dam's spillway type is listed as uncontrolled with no locks or outlet gates.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ruth B Ulmer Dam presents an interesting case study in dam safety and regulation. With its unique design as an earth dam with buttress core types, the dam serves as a recreational site while also posing potential risks due to its poor condition. As efforts continue to maintain and monitor the dam's safety, its location in South Carolina's Providence Swamp adds to the ecological significance of managing water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
555 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PROVIDENCE SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
900cfs |
Santee River Near Pineville
|
615cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
785cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
736cfs |
Edisto River Nr Givhans
|
1100cfs |