Upper York Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Upper York Reservoir Dam, located in York, South Carolina, was completed in 1926 and serves as a vital water supply source for the area.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of water supply, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with stone core types and supported by rock and soil foundations, spans 240 feet in length and covers a surface area of 16 acres.

Despite its importance in providing water to the region, the Upper York Reservoir Dam has been flagged for its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, which oversees its inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The last inspection was conducted in November 2019, with a frequency of every 2 years.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources management, it is crucial for enthusiasts and stakeholders to monitor the condition of structures like the Upper York Reservoir Dam. With its historical significance and critical role in water supply, efforts to ensure the safety and maintenance of this dam are essential to safeguarding the community's water security and resilience to changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

ROSS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Nid Storage

190

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.