Rice Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rice Pond Dam, also known as Look-Up Forest Pond Dam, is a privately owned recreational structure located in Greenville, South Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 250 feet in length, creating a picturesque 6-acre surface area for outdoor activities. Situated along the TR-McKinney Creek, this dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy nature and engage in recreational activities.

Despite its scenic charm, Rice Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2019. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulates this dam, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding environment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts flock to Rice Pond Dam for recreation and leisure, it is crucial for stakeholders to address its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. With ongoing regulatory oversight from the South Carolina DHEC, the dam's safety and maintenance should be prioritized to ensure the continued enjoyment of this natural oasis while minimizing potential risks to the environment and surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-MCKINNEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.