Herndons Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Railroad Pond Dam Huttos Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Herndons Pond Dam, located in Dorchester, South Carolina, was completed in 1940 and stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 500 feet.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is situated on the Little Walnut Branch river. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, it provides a serene surface area of 14 acres for outdoor activities.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Herndons Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a very high risk rating of 1. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) oversees its regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met. The dam has a controlled spillway type and is constructed with a stone core and soil foundation.
This picturesque dam under private ownership is a vital part of the local landscape, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. While its structural integrity is maintained through regular inspections and a detailed emergency action plan, the risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued enjoyment of Herndons Pond Dam.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE WALNUT BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Herndons Pond Dam