Walter Baxter Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Walter Baxter Dam, located in Jasper, South Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and also provides recreational opportunities.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans a length of 915 feet, with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and upgrades to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Although the dam's primary purpose is for irrigation, it also supports recreational activities and is situated along the TR-BLACK SWAMP river/stream. The dam's inspection frequency is every five years, with the last assessment conducted in November 2017, revealing its current poor condition.
As a vital water resource structure in the region, Walter Baxter Dam plays a crucial role in water management and supply for agricultural needs. With its location within the Charleston District and under the oversight of the state regulatory agency, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure its long-term viability and safety for both irrigation and recreational uses. Efforts to improve its condition and operational efficiency are necessary to uphold its function and mitigate any potential risks associated with its current poor assessment.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
915 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Savannah River Near Clyo
|
6440cfs |
Ebenezer Creek At Springfield
|
10cfs |
Abercorn Cr (Water Intake) Nr Savannah
|
1500cfs |
Savannah River Near Port Wentworth
|
14100cfs |
Coosawhatchie River Near Hampton
|
51cfs |
Savannah River At Ga 25
|
7820cfs |
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.
Walter Baxter Dam