Culbertson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Culbertson Pond Dam, located in Allendale, South Carolina, was completed in 1959 and serves as a recreational structure along Davis Branch.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at 24 feet high and stretches 335 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a serene surface area of 18 acres for visitors to enjoy various water activities.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of March 2020, Culbertson Pond Dam has a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating a potential risk in managing water flow during heavy precipitation events. While the risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3 out of 5, the dam remains subject to state regulatory oversight by SC DHEC in terms of permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Culbertson Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management efforts to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its tranquil setting and potential hazards, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for responsible stewardship to mitigate potential risks.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

335

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

DAVIS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Nid Storage

202

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.