Kelly Zier Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kelly Zier Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, was completed in 1961 and stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 625 feet.
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Summary
This private-owned dam on Bakers Branch serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 9 acres and a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed a poor rating, prompting the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Kelly Zier Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam's structural design is classified as an earth type with a buttress core, and it is situated within the jurisdiction of the state. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its condition assessment and hazard potential suggest a need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures to address any safety concerns and ensure the longevity of this water resource infrastructure in the region.
Overall, Kelly Zier Dam represents a vital piece of water resource infrastructure in South Carolina, providing recreational opportunities while also posing potential safety challenges that require attention. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and management of such structures is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources and mitigating any potential risks associated with dam infrastructure. Keeping abreast of updates and maintenance efforts for dams like Kelly Zier Dam is essential for promoting the resilience and longevity of these important water management facilities.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BAKERS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper)
|
2080cfs |
Stevens Creek Near Modoc
|
149cfs |
Butler Creek Below 7th Avenue
|
8cfs |
Savannah River At Augusta
|
6790cfs |
Spirit Creek At Us 1
|
11cfs |
Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta
|
20cfs |
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.
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