Priesters Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcmillans Pond Dam Butlers Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Priesters Pond Dam, also known as Mildred Priester Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Bamberg, South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 1090 feet along the Long Branch river or stream. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 81 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Priesters Pond Dam is rated as being in poor condition based on a last inspection in August 2017. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure public safety. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps preparation have not been updated or fully addressed.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental management, Priesters Pond Dam serves as a case study of a privately-owned recreational dam in need of maintenance and risk assessment. The dam's location within the Savannah District and its association with the Long Branch river highlight the importance of regular inspections and updates to ensure the safety and resilience of such structures in the face of changing climate patterns and potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1090 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
LONG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
81 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Priesters Pond Dam