J M Smith Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

J M Smith Pond Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, was completed in 1955 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private Earth dam, with a height of 23 feet and a length of 430 feet, impounds TR-SHAW CREEK to create a surface area of 9 acres and a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a poor condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in July 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The risk assessment for J M Smith Pond Dam indicates a very high risk level, with a rating of 1, prompting the need for comprehensive risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, inundation maps, and contact information for emergency situations are not currently updated or available, highlighting potential areas for improvement to enhance safety and preparedness in case of emergencies. Overall, J M Smith Pond Dam presents a fascinating case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of recreational infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and risk management in the context of dam safety and resilience.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-SHAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Nid Storage

98

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.