Gary Miller Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gary Miller Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1998 primarily for the purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 20 feet and a length of 570 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 65.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. While the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is deemed poor as of the last inspection in July 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Gary Miller Dam is regulated at the state level, with permits, inspections, and enforcement all in place to ensure its safe operation. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam serves as a vital resource for local wildlife and recreation activities. The dam also plays a role in flood control and water management for the surrounding area, making it a significant asset in the region's water resource infrastructure.

Although the dam's condition assessment raises concerns, its impact on the local ecosystem and water availability cannot be understated. As climate change continues to affect water resources and ecosystems, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Gary Miller Dam become increasingly important to ensure the resilience and sustainability of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

65.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.