Willis Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Robert Wright Dam Bolens Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Willis Millpond Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, was completed in 1855 and stands at a height of 9 feet with a length of 1190 feet.
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Summary
This Earth dam, primarily used for recreation, holds a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 41 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the SPUR BRANCH river or stream and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Despite being privately owned, Willis Millpond Dam is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2018. The emergency action plan status and risk assessment for the dam are currently unavailable, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and management of this essential water resource structure.
With its historical significance dating back over a century and its crucial role in providing recreational opportunities, Willis Millpond Dam serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in South Carolina. As climate change impacts water resources, it is imperative to ensure the safety and integrity of dams like this one, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance, assessment, and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential hazards and protect the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1855 |
Dam Length |
1190 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
SPUR BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Willis Millpond Dam