Pricketts Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pricketts Pond Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 600 feet. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, this dam on the BAY BRANCH river serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Pricketts Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair as of January 2021. Regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity and emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.

Pricketts Pond Dam, with its picturesque surroundings and recreational opportunities, serves as a vital water resource for the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and management of dams like Pricketts Pond become crucial in safeguarding both the environment and the local population against potential hazards and ensuring sustainable water use for future generations.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BAY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.