Smoke Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Smoke Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed in 1965 primarily for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 20 feet and stretching 650 feet in length, the dam impounds the waters of Antley Spring Branch, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with regular inspections ensuring its structural integrity.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of March 2021, Smoke Pond Dam is closely monitored to mitigate any risks associated with potential failure. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unspecified, indicating a need for continued readiness in case of emergencies. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain features like spillways and outlet gates, its historical importance in providing recreational opportunities underscores the importance of maintaining its safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Situated within the Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Smoke Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human infrastructure and natural landscapes. As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, the monitoring and maintenance of dams like Smoke Pond become even more critical to ensure the safety of communities and the preservation of ecosystems. With its location in a region susceptible to extreme weather events, ongoing attention to the condition and management of Smoke Pond Dam is essential to safeguarding both recreational opportunities and the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ANTLEY SPRING BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
906cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
838cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
805cfs |
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.
Smoke Pond Dam
Edna Love Park
Stalling Park
Squirrel Lake Park
Goodman Park
Olde Providence Park