Lee Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lee Pond Dam, also known as Sandhill St Forest Dam 5, is a state-owned structure located in Chesterfield, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 380 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Lee Pond Dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 7 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Lee Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state regulatory agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it to be in fair condition. With a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam continues to serve as a vital resource for the community and a key component of the local water infrastructure.

Situated along the Cow Branch river, Lee Pond Dam not only offers recreational opportunities but also contributes to the overall water resource management in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Lee Pond Dam becomes increasingly crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water resources in South Carolina.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

COW BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.