Lipscomb Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lackland Pond Dam Baker Mill Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lipscomb Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, stands as a private earth dam completed in 1940 for recreational purposes along the Sandy Run river.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 560 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 199 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of 2017, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Managed by private owners, Lipscomb Pond Dam retains a controlled spillway type, indicating a deliberate release of excess water to prevent overflow during heavy rainfall. Although its risk assessment level is classified as very high, appropriate risk management measures have yet to be specified. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in March 2017. Given its strategic location within the Savannah District and its recreational significance, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to uphold the dam's integrity and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
As a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure, Lipscomb Pond Dam serves as a recreational oasis while also posing potential risks that warrant careful oversight and management. With its historical legacy dating back to the early 20th century, the dam remains a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing nature for leisure purposes. Moving forward, collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and the public are crucial in safeguarding this structure for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy responsibly.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
199 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4580cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
770cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
596cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
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.
Lipscomb Pond Dam