Marvin Atkins Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Marvin Atkins Dam, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a private dam constructed in 1987 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 31 feet and a length of 200 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and other uses. It impounds the TR-South Pacolet River, providing a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 3 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the structure poses a moderate risk according to the latest risk assessment. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and the last inspection conducted in June 2020 revealed a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Marvin Atkins Dam stands as a vital infrastructure in the region, offering recreational opportunities while also serving as a crucial water resource management asset. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water resources, the dam's role in flood control and water storage becomes increasingly significant. With proper management and maintenance, this dam will continue to fulfill its purpose and safeguard the surrounding area against potential hazards.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH PACOLET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

32

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.