E Shell Thackston Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

E Shell Thackston Dam, located in Greenville, South Carolina, was completed in 1993 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at 26 feet tall with a length of 180 feet, offering a storage capacity of 26.7 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in May 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, E Shell Thackston Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, it lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps. The risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate, highlighting the need for risk management measures to address potential safety concerns and maintain the integrity of the structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in E Shell Thackston Dam can appreciate its design and purpose in enhancing local water management practices. With a focus on fire protection and ecological preservation, this dam represents a vital infrastructure for the surrounding area. However, the dam's poor condition and moderate risk level underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety measures to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the reliability of this essential water resource.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-HOWARD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

26.7

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.