Carolyn W Cope Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Carolyn W Cope Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a public utility-owned structure built in 1956 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1650 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SAM BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Carolyn W Cope Dam