Hough Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hortons Pond Dam Sullivan Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hough Millpond Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1935 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam, standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 525 feet in length, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to oversee its operations. The last inspection in April 2020 revealed the dam's poor condition, prompting concerns about its structural integrity and potential risks in case of emergencies. With a drainage area unspecified and no spillway type mentioned, there are key details that require further assessment to understand the dam's full operational capacity and potential vulnerabilities.
Given its critical role in providing recreational opportunities and serving as a water resource in the region, the Hough Millpond Dam's maintenance and risk management measures are crucial to ensure its long-term sustainability. With a designated emergency action plan still pending and risk assessment details yet to be fully explored, stakeholders and authorities must prioritize the dam's safety and environmental impact to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
RED OAK CAMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
121cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
443cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1700cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
17cfs |
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.
Hough Millpond Dam