Ruth B Ulmer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.