Guignard Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Guignard Pond Dam, also known as Louis Guion Dam, is a private dam located in Lexington, South Carolina, along Bear Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this Earth-type dam stands at 9 feet high and spans 370 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 15 acres for activities such as fishing and boating.

Despite its low hazard potential, Guignard Pond Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2017. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a very high risk rating of 1, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of this structure for both its recreational use and potential impact on the surrounding area in case of emergencies.

Located within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Guignard Pond Dam is a notable feature along Bear Creek, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the water resource it provides. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's condition and risk factors, it remains an important site for both recreation and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.