O E Rose Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

O E Rose Dam, located in Clarendon, South Carolina, stands as a testament to water resource management and irrigation infrastructure dating back to 1900.


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Summary

This private earth dam on Mill Branch is crucial for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 719 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 600 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam remains a significant structure, although its condition assessment is currently rated as poor, indicating potential maintenance needs.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the O E Rose Dam has a height of 15 feet and a length of 412 feet, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area. The dam's poor condition and significant hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing inspections and risk management measures to ensure its continued functionality. As climate change impacts water resources, maintaining infrastructure like O E Rose Dam will be essential for sustainable water management in the region.

With Congressman James E. Clyburn representing the area in the US House of Representatives, the O E Rose Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply in Clarendon County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the history and current status of dams like O E Rose is essential for advocating for sustainable water management practices and investing in infrastructure resilience to address future challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

412

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Nid Storage

719

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.