Ellerbees Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dinkins Millpond Dam Mcleods Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ellerbees Millpond Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, was completed in 1830 and stands at a height of 7 feet with a length of 730 feet.
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Summary
This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, holds a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 95.8 acres. Situated on Rafting Creek, the dam is state-regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential is managed effectively.
The dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and unknown foundation, plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Despite its age, Ellerbees Millpond Dam continues to stand as a testament to early engineering practices while offering a picturesque landscape for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. With a history dating back to the 19th century, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure for future generations to appreciate and protect.
As one of the many dams located in South Carolina, Ellerbees Millpond Dam not only serves as a recreational hotspot but also plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its state-regulated status and regular inspections, this historic structure stands as a symbol of both past engineering achievements and ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ellerbees Millpond Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of history, technology, and natural beauty in the heart of Sumter County.
Year Completed |
1830 |
Dam Length |
730 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
RAFTING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
95.8 |
Nid Storage |
340 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
2170cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
425cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4580cfs |
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.
Ellerbees Millpond Dam