Clark Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clark Pond Dam, also known as Ben Watson Pond Dam, is a private earth dam located in Edgefield, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Pace Branch river. Standing at a height of 13 feet and with a length of 580 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor as of August 2017, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with inspections mandated every 5 years to ensure its safety. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clark Pond Dam represents a critical intersection of recreational infrastructure and water management in the region. As a privately owned structure regulated by the SC DHEC, the dam's condition and risk level highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its historical significance and potential impact on the surrounding ecosystem, the future of Clark Pond Dam remains a topic of interest for those invested in sustainable water resource management practices.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

PACES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

80

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.