Harry Griffith Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Norman Fogle Dam Williams Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harry Griffith Dam, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure designed for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 19 feet tall and spanning 285 feet in length, holds a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection completed in July 2017. The dam is regulated and permitted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on the TR-WILOW SWAMP river or stream, Harry Griffith Dam is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. While the dam lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, its primary purpose remains focused on providing a serene environment for visitors to enjoy. The dam's location within the Savannah District and its proximity to Congressman Joe Wilson's district further highlight its significance within the local community.
Despite its poor condition assessment, Harry Griffith Dam continues to serve as a vital recreational asset in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Its role in providing a natural retreat for visitors to connect with water resources underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring its structural integrity. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding and supporting the ongoing efforts to ensure the dam's safety and regulatory compliance is key to preserving this valuable recreational resource for future generations.
Dam Length |
285 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILOW SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Harry Griffith Dam