Barbara Kearson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barbara Kearson Dam in South Carolina, situated in Jasper County, is a privately owned earth dam primarily designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1968, the dam stands at a height of 7 feet and spans 450 feet in length. Its main reservoir has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, making it a key feature for leisure activities in the area.

Owned and regulated by private entities, the dam is inspected every five years with a low hazard potential rating. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified. With its location near the TR-Sweet Leaf Swamp, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also requiring careful monitoring and upkeep to ensure safety and longevity for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

The dam's association with the Savannah District and oversight by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure that balances recreational use with environmental stewardship. As the dam continues to serve as a landmark for outdoor activities and water resource management, ongoing assessments and adherence to regulatory guidelines will be key in safeguarding both the dam's integrity and the surrounding ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-SWEET LEAF SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.