Patrick Williams Dam dam
Patrick Williams Dam
Patrick Williams Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, along the SPUR BRANCH river, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 14 feet and a length of 1020 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 216 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. Despite being a privately owned dam, it is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam has a significant hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in March 2019. With inspections occurring every three years, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) is continuously updated to meet guidelines and ensure preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. While no risk assessment or management measures are currently available, the dam remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure in a picturesque setting.
As part of the Savannah District in the US Army Corps of Engineers, Patrick Williams Dam adds to the region's water infrastructure, contributing to flood control and water supply management. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam serves as a vital structure for the local community, offering not only recreational benefits but also playing a crucial role in water resource management in South Carolina. Its location and design make it a noteworthy site for those interested in water resources and climate adaptation efforts in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Patrick Williams Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark | 214 cfs | → |
| South Fork Edisto River Near Cope | 217 cfs | → |
| South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg | 215 cfs | → |
| North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg | 222 cfs | → |
| Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta | 1 cfs | → |
| Salkehatchie River Near Miley | 60 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Patrick Williams Dam.
Boat launches
- Savannah Highway Neeses
- Bobcat Landing Road , 29003
- Shillings Bridge Road Orangeburg County
- Cannon Bridge Road ,
- Burnettown
Fishing spots
Track Patrick Williams Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Patrick Williams Dam
Where does the data for Patrick Williams Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Patrick Williams Dam.