Alec Chaplin Dam

GIBSON BRANCH· Orangeburg, South Carolina· Built 1930· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Alec Chaplin Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 41.8% in SC)
Max Storage235 acre-ft
Normal Storage120 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDSC00420

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

COVEY CALL LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Hutto'S Millpond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

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Woods Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 11 ft

Connor Pond Dam

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Chaplin/Collums Dam

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Low Hazard 14 ft

Wm Davis Pond Dam

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High Hazard 17 ft

Boyleston Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 21 ft

Mounts Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 17 ft

Mackie Tyler Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Alec Chaplin Dam?

Alec Chaplin Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Alec Chaplin Dam?

Alec Chaplin Dam is owned by COVEY CALL LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Alec Chaplin Dam built?

Alec Chaplin Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Alec Chaplin Dam?

Alec Chaplin Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Alec Chaplin Dam?

Alec Chaplin Dam has a dam height of 19 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Alec Chaplin Dam last inspected?

Alec Chaplin Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.