Joe Ben Hunter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Joe Ben Hunter Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1970 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 26 feet tall and spanning 290 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of September 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Joe Ben Hunter Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is situated on the TR-Warrior Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although the dam does not have any associated structures or federal funding, it plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the surrounding area.

While Joe Ben Hunter Dam may face challenges in terms of its condition assessment, the dam continues to serve as a valuable recreational resource for the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam's surroundings, they can appreciate the efforts taken by state agencies to maintain its safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that the dam remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-WARRIOR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Nid Storage

137

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.