Virginia Taylor Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Virginia Taylor Dam, also known as A.B.


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Summary

Taylor Pond Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 262 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 116 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Despite its scenic location along Ranson Creek, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, prompting biennial inspections to ensure public safety.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Virginia Taylor Dam operates with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, raising concerns about its emergency preparedness. The dam's risk assessment identifies moderate risks, urging the need for better risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. With its historical significance and critical role in the local water resource management, efforts to improve the dam's condition and emergency response plans are essential to safeguarding the surrounding community and preserving this valuable recreational asset.

In collaboration with state regulators and federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, ongoing maintenance and monitoring of Virginia Taylor Dam are crucial to address its structural deficiencies and ensure compliance with safety standards. By implementing recommended risk management measures and emergency action plans, stakeholders can enhance the dam's resilience to climate impacts and protect the environment while providing recreational opportunities for water resource enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

262

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

RANSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

116

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.