Mary Lee Elmore Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Denny Pond Dam Tenie Schlutter Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mary Lee Elmore Dam, located in Lee, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-GIN BRANCH river and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor as of November 2017. With a periodic inspection frequency of 5 years, the structure is deemed to be in need of maintenance and enhancement. The dam lacks emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk assessment measures, indicating a potential need for improved safety protocols and risk management strategies to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mary Lee Elmore Dam presents an opportunity to study the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship in the context of evolving regulatory standards and risk management practices.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GIN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
425cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
142cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
2170cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
128cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
376cfs |
Lynches River At Effingham
|
852cfs |
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.
Mary Lee Elmore Dam