Korn Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Korn Pond Dam, also known as W M Tisdale Dam, is a private dam located in Sumter, South Carolina, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 825 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-NASTY BRANCH and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a call for enhanced risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community. The dam lacks certain emergency preparedness features such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, indicating areas for improvement in response readiness.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Korn Pond Dam will find a unique recreational feature nestled in the South Carolina landscape. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam presents both opportunities for leisure activities and challenges in maintaining its structural integrity. As efforts are made to address the dam's condition and risk assessment, stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable management of this important water resource for the benefit of both the local community and the environment.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

825

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-NASTY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.