Rice Mills Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice Mills Pond Dam, located in Anderson, South Carolina, was completed in 1948 and serves as a recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation, is classified as an Earth dam with a height of 26 feet and a length of 580 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was rated as poor during the last inspection in 2017.

Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's maximum storage capacity is 50 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and it is associated with the Broad Mouth Creek.

Although the dam poses a moderate risk, the recreational benefits it provides make it a popular destination for water and climate enthusiasts. With its rich history and scenic surroundings, Rice Mills Pond Dam continues to attract visitors seeking outdoor recreation in the heart of South Carolina.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BROAD MOUTH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.