Bests Pond Dam

TR-BULL SWAMP CREEK· Orangeburg, South Carolina· Built 1960· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bests Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 37.9% in SC)
Max Storage94 acre-ft
Normal Storage58 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDSC02096

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

MAY W BEST

Private

Nearby Dams

Dillon-Metts Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 17 ft

Etheredge Millpond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 18 ft

Paul Geddings Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 22 ft

Shulls Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 15 ft

Northside Country Club Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 12 ft

Lower Northside Country Club Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Unknown 15 ft

Culler Millpond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 13 ft

Layseth Mill Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bests Pond Dam?

Bests Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bests Pond Dam?

Bests Pond Dam is owned by MAY W BEST (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bests Pond Dam built?

Bests Pond Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Bests Pond Dam?

Bests Pond 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 Bests Pond Dam?

Bests Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Bests Pond Dam last inspected?

Bests Pond Dam was last inspected on July 11, 2017. 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.