Derrenbacher Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Derrenbacher Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 500 feet, providing a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet. The dam is situated along the TR-Sandy Run river and is under the regulatory oversight of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its recreational value, Derrenbacher Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of January 2020. With a very high risk rating, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are crucial considerations for ensuring public safety and environmental protection. Although regular inspections are conducted and the state agency enforces necessary measures, the dam's risk management and emergency preparedness aspects require further attention to meet guidelines and mitigate potential hazards effectively.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Derrenbacher Pond Dam serves as a significant case study highlighting the importance of dam safety and risk management in the context of recreational infrastructure. The dam's location in a high-risk zone underscores the need for robust maintenance practices, emergency action plans, and stakeholder coordination to ensure the resilience of such critical structures in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-SANDY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Nid Storage

109

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.