Ziegenfuss Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thomas Pellet Dam Knights Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Laurens, South Carolina, Ziegenfuss Pond Dam, also known as James Batson Dam, was completed in 1951 for recreational purposes along the TR-Reedy River.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 365 feet, providing a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 classified it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its long-term stability.
Operated and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Ziegenfuss Pond Dam is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has a moderate risk rating, with a risk management plan yet to be fully developed, it remains a popular spot for recreational activities. With its uncontrolled spillway and limited surface area of 7 acres, the dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources in the face of climate variability and water resource management challenges.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and precipitation levels, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Ziegenfuss Pond Dam become increasingly crucial in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities and ecosystems. With a designated emergency action plan still pending and a history of poor condition assessments, the dam represents both the recreational opportunities and potential risks associated with aging infrastructure in a changing climate. As enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resource management and climate adaptation, it is imperative to monitor and address the condition of dams like Ziegenfuss Pond Dam to mitigate potential hazards and protect the surrounding environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REEDY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ziegenfuss Pond Dam