John's Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John's Creek Dam, located in Union, South Carolina, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this Earth-type dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with secondary purposes including recreation. Standing at a height of 25 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 932 cubic feet per second.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, John's Creek Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition, though it has not been officially rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and is inspected approximately every 10 years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2015. Despite the lack of a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP), the dam is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates and has a history of stable operations under the oversight of the Forest Service.

Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate impact can appreciate John's Creek Dam as a vital component of the local ecosystem, providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife while offering recreational opportunities for the community. As a Federal structure with a history of responsible management by the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, John's Creek Dam stands as a testament to sustainable infrastructure development in South Carolina.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

JOHN'S CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

32

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.