James Cushman Dam
Key Takeaway
James Cushman Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 43 ft (taller than 94.1% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | SC02446 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
JOHN AND LINDA SARPY
Private
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of James Cushman Dam?
James Cushman 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 James Cushman Dam?
James Cushman Dam is owned by JOHN AND LINDA SARPY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was James Cushman Dam built?
James Cushman Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 James Cushman Dam?
James Cushman 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 James Cushman Dam?
James Cushman Dam has a dam height of 43 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 James Cushman Dam last inspected?
James Cushman Dam was last inspected on December 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.