John Rainsford Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Rainsford Pond Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1991.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 650 feet across the Dry Branch river or stream. With a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres, the dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and other activities.

The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition with a moderate risk assessment score. While it has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place.

With its picturesque location and impact on the surrounding landscape, John Rainsford Pond Dam is of interest to water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's design, construction, and management provide valuable insights into the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in South Carolina's waterways.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

DRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Nid Storage

174

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.