Mclains Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Collums Pond Dam Hairs Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mclains Pond Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1959 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 610 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet. Situated along Sheepford Branch, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Despite its recreational significance, Mclains Pond Dam is currently classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in March 2019 revealed the need for improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With state regulatory oversight from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), efforts are underway to address the issues and enhance the resilience of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.
As water resource management becomes increasingly important in the face of climate change, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Mclains Pond Dam are crucial for ensuring the safety of communities and the sustainability of natural ecosystems. With ongoing inspections and potential risk management measures, stakeholders are working to safeguard this vital infrastructure and preserve the recreational opportunities it provides in the region.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SHEEPFORD BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
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.
Mclains Pond Dam