Bagnal Builders Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Bagnal Builders Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this dam on Horsepen Creek stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 380 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was reported as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and upgrades to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The structure's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of implementing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Although the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and a relatively small surface area of 8 acres, its significance as a recreational resource underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in tracking the developments and improvements of Bagnal Builders Dam to safeguard its integrity and enhance its recreational offerings in the future.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

HORSEPEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.