Turners Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Turners Pond Dam, also known as Luther Arthur Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Union, South Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 375 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 5 acres and a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 46 acre-feet.

The dam is situated on TR-Fairforest Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was marked as poor. The last inspection date was in September 2017, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam lacks Emergency Action Plans and detailed risk assessment measures, indicating a need for improved safety protocols.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Turners Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. Its historical significance, recreational value, and potential environmental impact make it a focal point for discussions on sustainability and risk mitigation in water infrastructure. As efforts are made to address the dam's poor condition and ensure the safety of surrounding communities, there is a growing opportunity for collaboration between stakeholders to enhance resilience and adaptability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-FAIRFOREST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

56

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.