Eloise Watson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ralph Smith Pond Dam Stokes Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Eloise Watson Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1960 primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVERDAM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
173 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
38cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
4cfs |
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
12cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3010cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
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.
Eloise Watson Dam
West DeKalb Street Lugoff