Carolyn W Cope Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a public utility-owned structure built in 1956 for recreational purposes. The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 1650 feet along the Sam Branch river. With a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, the dam serves primarily for recreation, offering an 8-acre surface area for water activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 reported poor conditions, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. The risk assessment also classified the dam with a very high risk level, further emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures. As a state-regulated dam under the supervision of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), the Carolyn W Cope Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and recreational opportunities in the region.