Old Childers Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Old Childers Pond Dam, located in Cherokee, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure built in 1964 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 284 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Situated on Minkum Creek, this earth dam with a stone core serves as a significant hazard potential, yet its condition has been assessed as fair during the last inspection in 2019. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.

Surrounded by a surface area of 5 acres, Old Childers Pond Dam offers a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its age, the dam remains a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature. With a normal storage capacity of 49 acre-feet, the reservoir provides a habitat for various aquatic species and contributes to the local ecosystem's biodiversity. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently under review, reflecting the commitment to maintaining the dam's safety and preparedness in the face of potential hazards.

The Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers does not own or fund Old Childers Pond Dam, indicating its private ownership and management. The dam's association with the scenic Minkum Creek adds to its allure, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in exploring the intersection of human intervention and natural landscapes. As efforts continue to enhance the dam's safety and functionality, Old Childers Pond Dam remains a noteworthy site for both recreational enjoyment and environmental conservation in the heart of South Carolina.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

284

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

MINKUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

88

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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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.