Fricks Pond Dam, also known as Bates Pond, is a private dam located in Saluda, South Carolina. Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 575 feet in length, serving primarily for irrigation purposes on CHINQUAPIN CREEK. With a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres, Fricks Pond Dam is regulated by SC DHEC and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Fricks Pond Dam poses a moderate risk factor (3) due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2015, and it meets regulatory guidelines for risk management. The dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, but it is overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for design and construction. With its strategic location and crucial role in irrigation, Fricks Pond Dam stands as a vital water resource structure in South Carolina, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.