Mt Canaan Bapt Assn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Edgefield, South Carolina, the Mt Canaan Bapt Assn Dam is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.


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Summary

With a height of 27 feet and a length of 320 feet, this dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a maximum storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and a normal storage of 29 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-HORSE CREEK and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment due to its condition. The last inspection date was in August 2017, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements, there are concerns about its overall structural integrity and the need for an emergency action plan to ensure public safety in case of a potential failure.

The Mt Canaan Bapt Assn Dam, nestled in a picturesque setting, presents both recreational opportunities and challenges in terms of its maintenance and risk management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the dam's condition closely, advocate for regular inspections, and support necessary upgrades to enhance its safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. By collaborating with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Nid Storage

43

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

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.