Hughes Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wildewood Pond Dam 3 Deerlake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
GILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27 |
Nid Storage |
324 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3010cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1530cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
790cfs |
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.
Hughes Pond Dam