Upper Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Neeses Lake Dam Garvins Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Aiken, South Carolina, Upper Pond Dam is a privately owned earth dam built in 1937 for recreational purposes on Cedar Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 17 feet and with a length of 300 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2017.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Upper Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam poses a low risk of failure but requires attention due to its poor condition assessment. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate activities.
While Upper Pond Dam may not be a high-risk structure, its historical significance and importance for recreational use make it a notable landmark in the area. Those interested in water resource management and climate sustainability will find this dam an intriguing subject for further study and exploration.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Upper Pond Dam