Honker Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: C. S. Pool J Dam Oxpen Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Honker Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a Federal-owned structure designed and managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
OXPEN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
215 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
121cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
443cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1700cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Honker Dam