Beckham Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Beckham Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1948 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 750 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, Beckham Pond Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of March 2017. The dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years, with the last inspection taking place in 2017. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated for the dam, the risk management measures and guidelines for the dam remain unspecified. The dam is situated on Saddler Swamp, a tributary of the Savannah River, and provides a recreational haven for local residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Overall, Beckham Pond Dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community while also offering a picturesque setting for leisure activities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the maintenance and management of dams like Beckham Pond Dam are crucial for ensuring public safety, preserving natural habitats, and adapting to changing climate conditions. By staying informed about the condition and regulation of dams like Beckham Pond Dam, enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of water resources in their region.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SADDLER SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Nid Storage

109

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.