Mcmaster Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
McMaster Pond Dam, located in Fairfield, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 450 feet in length, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. Situated on TR-Big Wateree Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its low hazard potential, McMaster Pond Dam has been rated as being in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The dam is equipped with no spillways or outlet gates, and its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unclear. With the dam showing signs of deterioration, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent any potential safety hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of this recreational water resource. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, keeping a close eye on the condition of McMaster Pond Dam and advocating for its proper upkeep is essential to preserving this beloved community asset.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG WATEREE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
12cfs |
Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn
|
31cfs |
Catawba River Below Catawba
|
1560cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
Broad River At Alston
|
1790cfs |
Broad River Near Carlisle
|
1320cfs |
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.
Mcmaster Pond Dam