Praters Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Praters Pond Dam, also known as Homer Prater Dam, is a private dam located in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 665 feet, creating a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on Mill Branch, this dam is under state regulation by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with regular inspections ensuring its safety and enforcement of necessary measures.
Despite its scenic surroundings and recreational appeal, Praters Pond Dam has been assessed as having a high hazard potential and poor condition as of December 2020. With an inspection frequency of every two years, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unclear. The dam's location and design as a buttress-type earth dam present unique challenges in managing its safety and potential risks, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the history and significance of Praters Pond Dam, its role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage in Orangeburg, South Carolina, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its association with Mill Branch and its high hazard potential, the dam's condition and risk management measures warrant attention and proactive engagement to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of this vital water resource for future generations.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
665 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
MILL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
838cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
906cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
805cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
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.
Praters Pond Dam