Honker Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a Federal-owned structure designed and managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Completed in 1977, this Earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the Oxpens Branch river. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 800 feet, Honker Dam has a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 632 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential, Honker Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, last inspected in September 2015. The dam poses a very high risk of failure and has not been updated in recent years to meet emergency preparedness guidelines. The structure features a controlled spillway and slide outlet gates, but lacks associated structures or locks. With a drainage area of one square mile, Honker Dam covers a surface area of 17 acres.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Honker Dam provides a case study in the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of critical infrastructure. As a key component of the local ecosystem, this dam plays a vital role in supporting fish and wildlife populations in the region. However, its deteriorating condition and high risk of failure underscore the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for years to come.