Peter Buyck's House Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buyck Pond Dam Strickland Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Peter Buyck's House Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, serves as a recreational spot for enthusiasts of water resources and climate.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at 16 feet high and stretches 320 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam poses a high hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of February 2021.
Managed by a private owner, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections every two years. With a spillway width of 0 feet and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam holds a significant amount of water from the TR-BATES MILL CREEK. The dam's location on private property raises concerns about its regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness protocols, as its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures remain unclear.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Peter Buyck's House Pond Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the dam presents a case study in the challenges of maintaining aging earth structures in a high-hazard setting. As discussions around dam safety and risk mitigation continue to evolve, this site serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency planning in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BATES MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4580cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
770cfs |
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.
Peter Buyck's House Pond Dam