James Cameron Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: James Cameron Dam 2 Joe Daves Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
James Cameron Dam 1, located in York, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 550 feet, this dam holds a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 99 acre-feet, making it a vital water resource for the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of its last assessment in 2017.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, James Cameron Dam 1 serves as a key recreational spot along the TR-STONY FORK river or stream. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and the lack of associated structures or locks point to its simple yet effective design. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, efforts may need to be made to ensure the dam's long-term safety and stability for both water resource management and climate enthusiasts who frequent the area for recreational activities.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-STONY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
James Cameron Dam 1