Westvaco Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westvaco Dam 1, located in Berkeley, South Carolina, is a state-owned structure built in 1953 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 13 feet and stretching 2,300 feet in length, the earth dam with a buttress core holds a normal storage capacity of 147 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 600 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-East Branch Cooper River, this dam offers a surface area of 92 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various water activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, Westvaco Dam 1 has been assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in November 2017. The State of South Carolina regulates this dam, with the State Department of Health and Environmental Control overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and lacks detailed information on its foundations and spillway, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Westvaco Dam 1 presents an intriguing case study of a recreational dam in need of attention and potential restoration efforts to ensure its safety and longevity. With a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring in preserving essential water infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR-EAST BRANCH COOPER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

92

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.