Cudds Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cudds Pond Dam, located in Union, South Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1958 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 1150 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 70 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cudds Pond Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of September 2017. The dam has a moderate risk rating and is not managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam serves essential purposes such as fire protection and recreation, its condition raises concerns about its long-term stability and safety. The surrounding community should stay informed about any potential risks associated with the dam and work towards implementing appropriate risk management measures to ensure the safety of the area.

With a history dating back to the late 1950s, Cudds Pond Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for fire protection and recreational activities in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, it is essential to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Cudds Pond to mitigate potential risks and ensure the sustainability of water systems in the area.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-HUGHES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.