Marietta Jackson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Marietta Jackson Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1992 and serves as an important irrigation resource in the region.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 400 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage of 100 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as having poor condition, with a moderate risk assessment.

The dam overlooks the Bulls Branch river and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). While it has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed areas for improvement. The primary purpose of Marietta Jackson Dam is to support irrigation needs in the area, highlighting its importance for water resource management in South Carolina's agricultural sector.

As a significant structure in the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Marietta Jackson Dam plays a crucial role in the local water management system. With its designated spillway type as uncontrolled and a drainage area of 12 acres, the dam's risk management measures are under review. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the dam's maintenance and improvement efforts to ensure its long-term reliability for irrigation and environmental conservation purposes.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BULLS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.