Charles Allen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charles Allen Dam in Union, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves as a fish and wildlife pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high and spans 322 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on the Tyger River, this dam plays a crucial role in fire protection and supporting local wildlife habitats. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Charles Allen Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife populations underscores its importance in maintaining ecological balance in the region. While it has a relatively small surface area of 6 acres, the dam provides vital water resources for the surrounding area and contributes to the overall environmental health of the Tyger River watershed.

With its stone core and soil foundation, Charles Allen Dam represents a critical piece of infrastructure in the Charleston District. While it has not been modified in recent years and has a low risk of failure, the dam's poor condition assessment calls for proactive risk management measures to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As a key feature in the local landscape, this dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate, and wildlife conservation efforts in South Carolina.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

322

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-TYGER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.