Padgetts Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burton Pond Dam Watson Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Padgetts Pond Dam, located in Saluda, South Carolina, was completed in 1950 and stands at a height of 21 feet with a length of 475 feet.
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Summary
This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, has a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres. Situated on Clouds Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, Padgetts Pond Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of October 2017. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unclear, raising concerns about its ability to effectively manage potential emergencies. With an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam's condition assessment date and lack of updated emergency preparedness information highlight the need for increased attention and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding area and water resources.
As a private-owned structure, Padgetts Pond Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a key component in the local water infrastructure. With its proximity to residential areas and the potential impact of a dam failure, it is essential for the owners and regulatory agencies to work together to address the dam's poor condition and ensure that necessary safety measures are in place to protect both the dam and the surrounding community from potential risks associated with its deteriorating state.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
CLOUDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Padgetts Pond Dam