Riddle Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Riddle Pond Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, was completed in 1975 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 555 feet, with a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Durbin Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Riddle Pond Dam received an unsatisfactory condition assessment during its last inspection in September 2017. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. With a history of moderate risk and unsatisfactory conditions, it is crucial for the owners to adhere to the recommended inspection frequency of every 5 years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the case of Riddle Pond Dam presents an interesting study in dam management and maintenance. With its location in a region susceptible to varying weather patterns and climate changes, the importance of proper upkeep and risk management measures for dams like Riddle Pond cannot be overstated. As discussions surrounding water resource sustainability and infrastructure resilience continue to grow, monitoring and addressing issues at dams such as Riddle Pond Dam will be key in ensuring the safety of communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

555

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-DURBIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

106

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.