Falls Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rast Pond Dam Strawberry Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Falls Pond Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Standing at 20 feet tall and stretching over 575 feet in length, this earth dam on Rock Branch provides a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating the need for maintenance or rehabilitation.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Falls Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's last inspection in September 2020 revealed its current state, highlighting the need for urgent attention to ensure public safety and prevent potential risks associated with its structure. With a history of modifications unlisted, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans remain unspecified.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by Falls Pond Dam's location, design, and condition can observe the ongoing challenges faced by this recreational structure. As a significant hazard potential and poor condition dam, its maintenance and management are crucial to prevent any potential disasters and ensure its continued safe operation for recreational purposes in the area. Monitoring its risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and structural improvements will be essential in safeguarding both the dam's integrity and the surrounding environment.
Dam Length |
575 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ROCK BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
101 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
950cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
76cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4580cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
770cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
9cfs |
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.
Falls Pond Dam