Graham Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Graham Pond Dam, also known as Virginia Graham Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Kershaw, South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 770 feet in length, providing a recreational area with a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term stability and safety.
Situated along the TR-SWIFT CREEK river or stream, Graham Pond Dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. While it serves primarily for recreational purposes, the dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2017. With concerns raised about its condition, there is a growing need for proactive risk management measures to address any potential safety hazards and ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Graham Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned dam with public safety implications. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue to gain importance in the face of climate change impacts, the need for effective risk management and maintenance strategies for structures like Graham Pond Dam becomes increasingly crucial. By staying informed and engaged in the oversight and upkeep of such water infrastructure, enthusiasts can contribute to safeguarding these vital resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
770 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SWIFT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
2170cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
425cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
142cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
128cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
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.
Graham Pond Dam