Yonces Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Yonces Pond Dam, also known as Harry Bell Dam, is a private earth dam located in Saluda, South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond, as well as recreation. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 490 feet, Yonces Pond Dam has a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, as reported in 2017. The dam is state regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. While it lacks certain features like spillway type and outlet gates, Yonces Pond Dam remains a key structure for water resource management in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Yonces Pond Dam presents a unique opportunity to study the intersection of private ownership, dam infrastructure, and environmental regulations. With its historical significance and multi-purpose design, this dam offers insight into the challenges and considerations involved in managing water resources for various needs, from fire protection to recreational activities. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's poor condition, it serves as a focal point for understanding the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols in ensuring the safety and longevity of water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta
|
20cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Bush River Nr Prosperity
|
58cfs |
Little River Nr Silverstreet
|
94cfs |
Stevens Creek Near Modoc
|
149cfs |
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.
Yonces Pond Dam