Bailey Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bailey Dam 2 Duncan Creek Wcd Dam 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bailey Dam, located in Laurens, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves as both a recreational area and a water supply source.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with a stone core, stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 590 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential, Bailey Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of June 2020.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bailey Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam is situated along the TR-BEARDS FORK CREEK, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors. Although the dam's year of completion is not specified, its maintenance and operation are closely monitored to meet safety standards.
With its high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Bailey Dam poses a significant responsibility for its owners and regulators in mitigating risks and ensuring public safety. As a vital structure in the region's water supply infrastructure and recreational landscape, ongoing inspections, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures are essential to maintain the dam's integrity and functionality. The collaboration between private ownership, state oversight, and community engagement is crucial in safeguarding Bailey Dam for the benefit of both water resource sustainability and climate resilience.
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEARDS FORK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court
|
22cfs |
Enoree River Near Woodruff
|
255cfs |
Enoree River At Whitmire
|
484cfs |
Saluda River Near Ware Shoals
|
704cfs |
Tyger River Near Delta
|
601cfs |
Little River Nr Silverstreet
|
135cfs |
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.
Bailey Dam
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Little River Park Trail
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