Copeland Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Copeland Pond Dam, located in Lee, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1959 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, constructed with an earth core and buttress type foundation, stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 580 feet. With a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking along the TR-LYNCHES RIVER.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Copeland Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental standards. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated", indicating a need for further evaluation. With the last inspection conducted in January 2013, the dam undergoes regular assessments every five years to monitor its structural integrity and potential risks.
Although Copeland Pond Dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, the structure has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) or undergone a comprehensive risk assessment. As such, there is an opportunity for enhanced risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the importance of proper dam maintenance and monitoring to safeguard against unforeseen emergencies and protect the natural ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LYNCHES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
81 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
425cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
142cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
128cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
376cfs |
Lynches River At Effingham
|
852cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
2170cfs |
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.
Copeland Pond Dam