Jeanne Kean Dam

DEAN SWAMP CREEK· Orangeburg, South Carolina· Built 1900· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Jeanne Kean Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 13 ft (taller than 14.9% in SC)
Max Storage710 acre-ft
Normal Storage600 acre-ft
Surface Area54 acres
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDSC00402

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 5, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

ETHRIDGE FAMILY TRUST

Private

Nearby Dams

Kean/Fha Dam

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Low Hazard 18 ft

Patrick Williams Dam

Barnwell, SC

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Hartley Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 29 ft

Maxine Weathersby Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 17 ft

Capers Millpond Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 16 ft

Myron Bolen Dam

Barnwell, SC

Low Hazard 16 ft

Mathews Mill Pond Dam

Barnwell, SC

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Millers Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Unknown 16 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jeanne Kean Dam?

Jeanne Kean 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 Jeanne Kean Dam?

Jeanne Kean Dam is owned by ETHRIDGE FAMILY TRUST (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jeanne Kean Dam built?

Jeanne Kean Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Jeanne Kean Dam?

Jeanne Kean 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 Jeanne Kean Dam?

Jeanne Kean Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Jeanne Kean Dam last inspected?

Jeanne Kean Dam was last inspected on January 5, 2022. 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.