Thompson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Thompson Pond Dam, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1959 and is primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 475 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. Despite its scenic setting on the TR-Ezell Branch, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in May 2019 revealed the need for significant improvements to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

The dam, constructed with an earth core and stone foundation, is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to monitor its integrity. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, there are concerns about the dam's ability to manage potential flood events effectively. The risk assessment for Thompson Pond Dam is moderate, indicating the need for proactive risk management measures to mitigate the potential consequences of a dam failure. Given its importance for recreation and the surrounding ecosystem, addressing the dam's poor condition and high hazard potential is crucial for ensuring the safety of the community and the preservation of the water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-EZELL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

75

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.