Abbot Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Abbot Pond Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The earth dam, standing at a height of 31 feet and a length of 252 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a normal storage of 21 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-LICK CREEK and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its low hazard potential, Abbot Pond Dam has been rated in poor condition as of its last inspection in September 2017. The dam is privately owned and maintained, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While it currently serves as a recreational site, the dam's condition assessment and emergency action plan readiness may raise concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As climate change impacts continue to affect water infrastructure, the future management and maintenance of Abbot Pond Dam will be crucial for ensuring its safety and longevity.

For enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Abbot Pond Dam presents a case study in the ongoing challenges faced by aging infrastructure. With its outdated condition assessment and lack of an updated emergency action plan, the dam's vulnerability to changing environmental conditions underscores the importance of proactive risk management measures. As discussions surrounding climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience grow, the maintenance and potential rehabilitation of Abbot Pond Dam will be a key area of focus for ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of this recreational resource.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

252

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Nid Storage

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.