John Wilson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Wilson Dam, located in Newberry, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam standing at a height of 26 feet and stretching 600 feet in length.


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Summary

This dam, built on TR-Turners Branch river or stream, serves the primary purpose of water storage with a capacity of 120 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 64 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway type and has a hazard potential rated as low with fair overall condition assessment.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, John Wilson Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam poses a very high risk, marked as 1 on the risk assessment scale, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a history of last inspection in December 2017, the dam is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action planning, but there is a need for updated emergency contacts and inundation maps for effective risk management.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in John Wilson Dam can appreciate its significance in the local water infrastructure, its role in regulating water flow, and the potential impact of its risk level on downstream areas. This earth dam stands as a vital structure in managing water resources in the region, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to mitigate any potential hazards associated with its operation.

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-TURNERS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.