Hughes Pond Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, was completed in 1954 and stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 750 feet. This private dam, primarily used for recreation, holds a storage capacity of 324 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 27 acres. It is situated on Gills Creek, under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Hughes Pond Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the latest inspection in January 2021. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2002, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level (3), prompting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Hughes Pond Dam will find it to be a notable earth dam structure with a stone core, serving a recreational purpose in the region. With its unique design and location along Gills Creek, this dam provides a valuable reservoir for water storage and recreational activities, while highlighting the importance of effective dam management and risk mitigation strategies in safeguarding surrounding communities and the environment.