Gramling Pond 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gramling Pond 3 Dam, also known as Gramling Bros Pond Dam 3, is a private structure located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, along the TR-Lake William C Bowen river or stream.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and stretches 383 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet primarily for irrigation purposes. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for inspection and maintenance.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a surface area of 8 acres and a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. While it has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, the structure is regulated by SC DHEC and subject to state inspection and enforcement. With a moderate risk rating, this dam serves as a critical water resource in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures and adherence to safety guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gramling Pond 3 Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. From its origins as an irrigation reservoir to its current state of poor condition assessment, this private earth dam exemplifies the complex interplay between human engineering, natural resources, and regulatory oversight. As efforts to address climate change and water scarcity intensify, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Gramling Pond 3 Dam will be crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in South Carolina and beyond.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

383

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-LAKE WILLIAM C BOWEN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Nid Storage

84

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.