Elizabeth Pence Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elizabeth Pence Dam, located in Marlboro County, South Carolina, was completed in 1957 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 600 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. Situated on Beverly Creek, the dam has a surface area of 37 acres and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its significant hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, Elizabeth Pence Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a moderate risk level assigned. Although there have been no recent modifications or inspection data updates, the dam remains under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular enforcement and inspection protocols to ensure public safety.

Managed by private owners and designated as a primary source for irrigation, Elizabeth Pence Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure maintenance and risk management in the face of changing climate conditions. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition, collaboration with regulatory agencies and stakeholders will be essential to safeguarding its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BEVERLY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Nid Storage

530

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

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.