Woodrow Smith Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sandra Todd Dam Coastal Timber Co Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Woodrow Smith Dam, located in Horry, South Carolina, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this earth dam with a height of 10.5 feet and a length of 650 feet serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 18.3 acres and a storage capacity of 1055 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a critical role in regulating the flow of the Brown Swamp, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the region.
Owned privately, Woodrow Smith Dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), ensuring that all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to maintain its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's poor condition assessment and high hazard potential underscore the need for ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness efforts. With a history of periodic inspections and a designated emergency action plan frequency, the dam is closely monitored to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community.
As the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees this vital infrastructure, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to recognize the significance of Woodrow Smith Dam in sustaining the ecological balance and recreational opportunities in the region. By understanding the dam's design, purpose, and current condition, stakeholders can work together to ensure its continued operation and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
10.5 |
River Or Stream |
BROWN SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.3 |
Nid Storage |
1055 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Waccamaw River At Conway Marina At Conway
|
2260cfs |
Little Pee Dee R. At Galivants Ferry
|
1370cfs |
Pee Dee River At Hwy 701 Nr Bucksport
|
7120cfs |
Waccamaw River Near Longs
|
174cfs |
Pee Dee River Below Pee Dee
|
3250cfs |
Pee Dee River At Peedee
|
3290cfs |
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.
Woodrow Smith Dam