Willamette Industries Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in Fairfield, South Carolina, the Willamette Industries Dam stands as a testament to private ownership and stewardship of water resources.


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Summary

Constructed in 1990 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a height of 27 feet serves primarily for recreational purposes on TR-Minton Creek. With a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 3 acres, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Willamette Industries Dam is classified as having poor condition, as per the last assessment in May 2017. With an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam is regulated and permitted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring compliance with safety standards. While the risk assessment deems the dam to have a moderate risk level, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to maintain its structural integrity and prevent any potential safety hazards in the future. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Willamette Industries Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-MINTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

48

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.