Ponderosa Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ponderosa Pond Dam, also known as Ponderosa Country Club Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Saluda, South Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1958, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 550 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 182 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a serene environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating.

Despite its recreational appeal, Ponderosa Pond Dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2017. This raises concerns about the safety and stability of the structure, prompting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures. The State of South Carolina, through DHEC, regulates and inspects the dam to ensure compliance with safety standards and to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the details and condition of dams like Ponderosa Pond Dam is crucial for assessing their impact on the environment and local communities. By staying informed about the maintenance and safety of such structures, we can contribute to the preservation of water resources and the mitigation of potential hazards in our changing climate.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

GIN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Nid Storage

182

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.