Ted Wingard Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ted Wingard Dam in South Carolina, completed in 1997, stands as a testament to the state's commitment to water resource management and recreational activities.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam on Watts Branch serves primarily for recreation, offering a surface area of 17 acres and a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. With a height of 27 feet and a length of 436 feet, the earth dam provides a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the dam boasts a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. Despite its relatively low risk, the dam is regularly inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2017. With its stone core and soil foundation, Ted Wingard Dam serves as a vital component in the state's water infrastructure, ensuring safe and sustainable management of water resources in Abbeville County.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ted Wingard Dam represents a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As a recreational site nestled in the picturesque landscape of South Carolina, the dam not only provides leisure opportunities for visitors but also showcases the state's dedication to maintaining safe and sustainable water infrastructure. With its scenic location on Watts Branch and its critical role in water management, Ted Wingard Dam stands as a beacon of responsible dam construction and management in the region, offering a model for other states to follow in balancing water resource utilization with environmental preservation.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
436 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
WATTS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Saluda River Near Ware Shoals
|
503cfs |
Little River Near Mt. Carmel
|
83cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
Rocky River Nr Starr
|
58cfs |
South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court
|
17cfs |
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.
Ted Wingard Dam