Sulton Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sulton Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this private-owned Earth dam spans 450 feet in length and reaches a height of 9 feet, serving as a vital structure for the local community. Situated along the picturesque LITTLE SANDY RUN, this dam provides a surface area of 8 acres and a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet, making it a valuable asset for water-based activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, Sulton Pond Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards. The dam's condition assessment, last conducted in March 2017, remains unrated, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam not only offers leisure opportunities but also underscores the significance of sustainable water management in the face of climate change.

As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates continue to recognize the interconnectedness of human activities and natural systems, Sulton Pond Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the balance between conservation and recreation. With its modest storage capacity and regulated status, this Earth dam symbolizes the importance of responsible stewardship of water resources in the face of evolving environmental challenges. As efforts to mitigate climate impacts intensify, the role of dams like Sulton Pond in supporting both recreational enjoyment and ecosystem health becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

LITTLE SANDY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

69

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.