Kenny Bates Dam

SNAKE SWAMP· Orangeburg, South Carolina· 16 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Kenny Bates Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. 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	16 ft (taller than 28.8% in SC)
Max Storage	56 acre-ft
Normal Storage	29 acre-ft

Surface Area	8 acres
NID ID	SC02435

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: November 16, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

KENNY BATES

Private

Nearby Dams

Ea Fogles Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 24 ft

Hickory Hill Plan Dam 1

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Low Hazard 15 ft

Hickory Hill Plan Dam 2

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 13 ft

R S Jameson Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 11 ft

Aimee Smiths Pond Dam

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Unknown 17 ft

Haydens Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Eugene and Michele Miller Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 15 ft

David Earl Bates Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kenny Bates Dam?

Kenny Bates 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 Kenny Bates Dam?

Kenny Bates Dam is owned by KENNY BATES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Kenny Bates Dam?

Kenny Bates 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 Kenny Bates Dam?

Kenny Bates Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Kenny Bates Dam last inspected?

Kenny Bates Dam was last inspected on November 16, 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.