Virginia Coleman Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Virginia Coleman Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1950 for recreational purposes along the TR-BURNT MILL CREEK.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 25 feet and stretching 565 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 44 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and inspection.
Maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Virginia Coleman Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and enforcement. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 0 feet, posing a moderate risk as per the latest risk assessment. Although the dam is primarily used for recreational activities, its current condition and risk level suggest a need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the sustainability of the water resource in the region.
With Jeff Duncan serving as the congressional representative for the area, Virginia Coleman Dam continues to be a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in South Carolina. As efforts are made to address the dam's poor condition and moderate risk level, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety and maintenance to preserve the recreational and environmental benefits provided by this infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
565 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BURNT MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court
|
17cfs |
Saluda River Near Ware Shoals
|
503cfs |
Enoree River Near Woodruff
|
210cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Durbin Creek Above Fountain Inn
|
8cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
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.
Virginia Coleman Dam