David O'Cain Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The David O'Cain Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1960 and serves as a recreational resource for the local community.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 14 feet and with a length of 700 feet, this earth-type dam on the Turkey Hill Branch provides a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam is also designated as state-regulated, with inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2017 reported poor conditions, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements. The inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in July 2017. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are currently unspecified, the local community and regulatory agencies remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and integrity of the David O'Cain Dam. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring developments related to this structure and its impact on the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TURKEY HILL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
906cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
838cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
805cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
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.
David O'Cain Dam