Ardis Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ardis Pond Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, was completed in 1800 and stands at a height of 11 feet with a length of 400 feet.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam, primarily used for recreation purposes, impounds the waters of Lee Swamp, providing a surface area of 30 acres and a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently in poor condition with a low hazard potential, prompting concerns for its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 5 years. The most recent assessment in March 2021 revealed the dam's poor condition, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance and repairs to mitigate the very high risk associated with its current state. With its controlled spillway and buttress core type, Ardis Pond Dam presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to advocate for sustainable management practices and preservation efforts to safeguard this historic structure and its surrounding ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1800

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

LEE SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Nid Storage

135

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.