Dodds Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Warren Norman Dam Sherrill Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Dodds Pond Dam, also known as Mary M Dodds Dam, is a private dam located in Lancaster, South Carolina, along the Sandy Branch river.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and stretches for 580 feet, creating a surface area of 10 acres and a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Dodds Pond Dam is for recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Despite its low hazard potential, Dodds Pond Dam currently has a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in September 2017. The dam is under state regulation by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there is a need for risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure for both recreational users and the surrounding community. As a private dam, it is important for the owners to address any maintenance issues and work closely with regulatory agencies to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Dodds Pond Dam