Kearse Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kearse Dam, located in Colleton, South Carolina, was completed in 1954 and serves as a recreational resource for the community.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core type, stands at 11 feet high and spans 412 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, the dam's primary purpose is to provide recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the TR-BRICKHOUSE BRANCH river or stream.
Despite its low hazard potential, Kearse Dam has been rated as being in poor condition as of its last inspection in November 2017. The dam is regulated by the SC DHEC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unknown, it is crucial for authorities to address the dam's poor condition assessment and ensure that necessary risk management measures are put in place to safeguard the surrounding community and water resources.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Kearse Dam to be an interesting case study in dam infrastructure management and the importance of maintaining critical structures for both recreational and safety purposes. As discussions around climate change continue to highlight the need for resilient water management systems, the condition of Kearse Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental threats.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
412 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BRICKHOUSE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Kearse Dam