Sowell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sowell Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, was completed in 1966 and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 860 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreation and water supply purposes along the TR-LITTLE BEAR CREEK. With a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, it provides essential water resources for the surrounding area while offering recreational opportunities for visitors.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Sowell Dam remains under private ownership and state regulation by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The dam's last inspection in November 2020 highlighted the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and longevity. With a history of serving both practical and leisure purposes, the dam continues to be a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the state-regulated Sowell Dam presents an intriguing case study of balancing water supply needs with recreational demands in a changing climate. Its location in a region susceptible to extreme weather events underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. By understanding the complexities of dam management and regulation, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into sustainable water resource practices and climate resilience strategies.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

61

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.