Kitchens Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Culler Pond Dam Ingletts Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Kitchens Dam, located on the Penn Branch in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1960 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. With a surface area of 13 acres, the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, although it is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in February 2021.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Kitchens Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose of recreation attracts water resource and climate enthusiasts who can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and leisure opportunities provided by the dam and its associated reservoir. Despite its relatively small size, Kitchens Dam plays a vital role in water management and outdoor recreation in the region.
With its proximity to the Savannah District and the leadership of Congressman Joe Wilson, Kitchens Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts. The dam, with its earth construction and stone core, represents a blend of traditional engineering techniques and modern regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who benefit from its presence.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
PENN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Kitchens Dam