Riddle Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Riddle Pond Dam, also known as Joe Riddle Pond Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Greenville, South Carolina, along the TR-REEDY RIVER.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 225 feet, was completed in 1964 for the primary purpose of recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 67 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres.

Despite its low hazard potential, Riddle Pond Dam is in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in June 2017. The dam is uncontrolled, with no spillway width or outlet gates, posing a moderate risk according to the risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure safety and compliance.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service served as the designer for Riddle Pond Dam, but further maintenance and risk management measures may be needed to address its poor condition and moderate risk level. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics and challenges of Riddle Pond Dam present an opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational infrastructure, environmental regulation, and dam safety in the context of South Carolina's water resources.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-REEDY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

83

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.