Kitchens Dam

PENN BRANCH· Orangeburg, South Carolina· Built 1960· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Kitchens Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 10 ft (taller than 5.2% in SC)
Max Storage82 acre-ft
Normal Storage42 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDSC00445

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: February 28, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

NORTH FARMS LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Culler Pond Dam

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Ingletts Pond Dam

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Mackie Tyler Dam

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Joseph Headden Dam

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Harleys Millpond Dam

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Hughes Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 11 ft

Etheredge Millpond Dam

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High Hazard 18 ft

Hoffman Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kitchens Dam?

Kitchens 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 Kitchens Dam?

Kitchens Dam is owned by NORTH FARMS LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kitchens Dam built?

Kitchens Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Kitchens Dam?

Kitchens 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 Kitchens Dam?

Kitchens Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Kitchens Dam last inspected?

Kitchens Dam was last inspected on February 28, 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.