Eloise Watson Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1960 primarily for recreation purposes. The dam has a height of 26 feet and a length of 550 feet, with a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Situated on Beaverdam Creek, the dam presents a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition as of the last inspection in June 2018. Despite its recreational focus, the dam's structural integrity is a cause for concern, and regular inspections are conducted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The dam's condition assessment in 2018 revealed poor maintenance, raising alarms about its ability to handle potential flooding events. It lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and has not been updated to meet current safety guidelines. With a limited spillway capacity and no outlet gates, the dam's risk management measures are unclear, leaving it vulnerable to failure. Given its location and potential impact on downstream areas, the dam requires urgent attention to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the situation at Eloise Watson Dam underscores the critical importance of proper dam maintenance and monitoring in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing hydraulic pressures. It serves as a reminder of the need for proactive risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and adherence to regulatory standards to prevent catastrophic failures and protect communities downstream. Efforts must be made to address the dam's poor condition, establish an effective EAP, and implement necessary risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved.