Barnwell Land Co Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Barnwell Land CO Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, stands as a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 19 feet and a length of 283 feet, this dam impounds Bentley Branch, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor structural integrity, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term stability.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Barnwell Land CO Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and its risk assessment categorizes it as having a moderate risk level. Although the dam's hazard potential is low, its condition assessment highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks to downstream communities and the environment.
As an earth dam with a buttress core type, Barnwell Land CO Dam's design and construction details are currently unlisted. The dam's location in the Charleston District, along with its association with Representative Joe Wilson (R), adds to its significance within the water resource and climate management landscape. Despite its recreational focus, ensuring the dam's structural safety and compliance with regulatory standards remains crucial for safeguarding both its operational functionality and the surrounding ecosystem.
Dam Length |
283 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BENTLEY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Barnwell Land Co Dam