Bridges Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Bridges Pond Dam, also known as John Beckham Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Lancaster, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 590 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 10 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential, Bridges Pond Dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in October 2017. The dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, there are no documented risk management measures or emergency action plans in place as of the most recent data update in April 2021.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bridges Pond Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. Its presence on TR-Camp Creek provides a recreational outlet for the local community, but its poor condition underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment. As efforts continue to assess and address the structural integrity of Bridges Pond Dam, stakeholders are urged to consider the implications of climate change and ecological resilience in the management of this vital water resource.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-CAMP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.