Bob And Dorothy Sanders Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bob and Dorothy Sanders Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 17 feet and a length of 470 feet, holds a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SALKEHATCHIE RIVER, the dam boasts a surface area of 15 acres and a spillway type classified as "Uncontrolled." Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with the last inspection conducted in August 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Bob and Dorothy Sanders Dam faces a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment score of 3. The dam is subject to state regulatory oversight, permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is unspecified, it is crucial to have updated emergency contacts and preparedness guidelines in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bob and Dorothy Sanders Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in South Carolina. With its unique design features and risk assessment considerations, the dam highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-SALKEHATCHIE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.