Parsons Mtn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parsons Mtn Dam, located in Abbeville, South Carolina, was completed in 1940 and is owned and funded by the Forest Service.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 30 feet tall and 550 feet long, serves primarily for recreation purposes, including fish and wildlife pond activities. The dam holds a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet and is situated on the Little Mtn Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Charleston District.

Despite its low hazard potential, Parsons Mtn Dam is considered to have a very high risk assessment, earning a rating of 1 out of 5. The dam features a controlled spillway and bascule outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 42,000 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the last inspection took place in September 2007, with an inspection frequency of 10 years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Parsons Mtn Dam offers a glimpse into the management and maintenance of a recreational dam structure within a federal agency's oversight. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam presents an opportunity for further exploration and study in the realm of water resource engineering and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

LITTLE MTN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

31

Nid Storage

263

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Bascule

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.