Hughes Pond Dam

GILLS CREEK· Richland, South Carolina· Built 1954· 30 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hughes Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 30 ft (taller than 78.9% in SC)
Max Storage324 acre-ft
Normal Storage216 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDSC01281

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: January 27, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

HUGHES LAKEOWNER ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hughes Pond Dam?

Hughes Pond 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 Hughes Pond Dam?

Hughes Pond Dam is owned by HUGHES LAKEOWNER ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hughes Pond Dam built?

Hughes Pond Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Hughes Pond Dam?

Hughes 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 Hughes Pond Dam?

Hughes Pond Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Hughes Pond Dam last inspected?

Hughes Pond Dam was last inspected on January 27, 2023. 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.