Wises Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wises Pond Dam, also known as Sean Wise Dam, is a private earth dam located in Saluda, South Carolina, along Dye Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1962, this dam serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond, with additional purposes including recreation. With a height of 19 feet and a length of 325 feet, Wises Pond Dam has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Wises Pond Dam is in poor condition as of the last assessment in October 2017. The dam is state-regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with required inspections every five years. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as very high, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
Located within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wises Pond Dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area if not properly maintained. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the condition of dams like Wises Pond to prevent any potential disasters and protect the environment and communities that rely on these structures for various purposes.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
DYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Wises Pond Dam