Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Louise Ervin Dam Lakewood Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Brown Dam, located in Williamsburg, South Carolina, is a private recreational Earth dam constructed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 480 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet on the TR-BLACK MINGO SWAMP river. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has been rated as having poor condition as of the last assessment in November 2017.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Brown Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement. Its primary purpose is for recreation, drawing visitors to the area for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's controlled spillway and uncontrolled outlet gates contribute to its overall risk assessment, which has been classified as very high.
In collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, efforts to improve the condition and risk management of Brown Dam are underway. As a significant landmark in the region, the dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a critical component of the local water resource infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of human activities and environmental stewardship in the face of climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK MINGO SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River At Kingstree
|
1180cfs |
Pee Dee River At Hwy 701 Nr Bucksport
|
7960cfs |
Santee River Nr Jamestown
|
1360cfs |
Turkey Creek Near Maryville
|
2cfs |
Lynches River At Effingham
|
516cfs |
Waccamaw River At Conway Marina At Conway
|
2260cfs |
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.
Brown Dam