Hutto Pond Dam is a privately owned structure located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with a primary purpose of recreation. This earth-type dam, with a height of 21 feet and a length of 420 feet, provides a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment as of January 2020, the dam poses a high hazard potential, requiring regular inspections every two years to ensure public safety.

Situated on the TR-EARLY BRANCH stream within the Savannah District, Hutto Pond Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The dam's design features a buttress core with an unlisted/unknown foundation, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks. With the potential for significant downstream impacts in the event of a failure, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are crucial aspects that require attention and adherence to guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hutto Pond Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of recreational infrastructure and regulatory oversight in the context of dam safety. As a privately owned facility with state permitting and inspection requirements, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities and natural resources from the impacts of potential dam failures. In light of its high hazard potential and fair condition rating, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the continued safety and integrity of Hutto Pond Dam.