Brice Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Brice Dam, located in Fairfield, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 23 feet and stretching 542 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8 acres along the TR-McCulley Creek. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition and in need of assessment and potential improvements.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Brice Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a controlled spillway and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a very high risk according to the risk assessment criteria. Although its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam's structural integrity and safety measures warrant close attention to ensure the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems. The risk management measures and emergency action plans for the dam are currently under evaluation, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
542 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MCCULLEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Brice Dam