Vida Polston Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Helen Kirkley Dam Drakes Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Vida Polston Dam, located in Marlboro, South Carolina, was completed in 1971 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 588 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Vida Polston Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to uphold safety standards. The dam is situated on TR-Three Creeks, within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction. While currently lacking a spillway and any associated structures, the dam's primary purpose extends to recreation in addition to its primary functions, making it a valuable resource for the local community.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Vida Polston Dam provides essential services for fire protection and agricultural needs in the region. However, with a poor condition assessment and limited risk management measures in place, there is a pressing need for continued oversight and maintenance to ensure the dam's long-term resilience and safety. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates must monitor and advocate for the necessary improvements to safeguard this critical infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
588 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THREE CREEKS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2400cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
261cfs |
Pee Dee River At Peedee
|
2890cfs |
Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg
|
64cfs |
Pee Dee River Below Pee Dee
|
2860cfs |
Lumber River Near Maxton
|
273cfs |
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.
Vida Polston Dam