Hancocks Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hancocks Pond Dam, also known as Albert Walters Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Lee County, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1830, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 725 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on Turkey Creek, the dam's primary purpose is to provide recreational opportunities for visitors in the area.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Hancocks Pond Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been rated as poor. The dam poses a low hazard potential but has been identified as having moderate risk, with a risk assessment score of 3 out of 5. The last inspection conducted in November 2017 highlighted the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

With the dam being state-regulated and under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), it is subject to regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement to address any safety concerns. Despite its current condition assessment, efforts are likely being made to improve the dam's stability and reduce the identified risks, ensuring the continued enjoyment of recreational activities at Hancocks Pond.

Year Completed

1830

Dam Length

725

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.