Simensen Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Speigners Pond Dam Bensons Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Simensen Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a private earth dam that was completed in 1971 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 22 feet and stretching 282 feet in length, this dam serves as a barrier to the High Hill Creek, providing a maximum storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2020, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its proximity to residential areas and its critical role in flood control and water management.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Simensen Pond Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a frequency of biennial inspections and an emergency action plan in place, the dam is equipped to respond to potential risks and emergencies. Although the dam is not federally owned or funded, it remains a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, contributing to the region's recreational activities and water supply needs.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Simensen Pond Dam become increasingly crucial. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of infrastructure like Simensen Pond Dam is key to ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
282 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
HIGH HILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4580cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
770cfs |
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.
Simensen Pond Dam