Hutto Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hutto Pond Dam is a privately owned structure located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

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.

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-EARLY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.