Bill Besson Dam
Key Takeaway
Bill Besson Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 56.3% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Year Completed | 1997 (29 years old) |
| NID ID | SC02741 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BESSON FAMILY LAND LLC
Private
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Low Hazard 34 ftLarry Redd Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bill Besson Dam?
Bill Besson 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 Bill Besson Dam?
Bill Besson Dam is owned by BESSON FAMILY LAND LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bill Besson Dam built?
Bill Besson Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Bill Besson Dam?
Bill Besson 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 Bill Besson Dam?
Bill Besson Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Bill Besson Dam last inspected?
Bill Besson Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.