Nicholson/Boyle Dam

TR-SWIFT CREEK· Kershaw, South Carolina· Built 1974· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Nicholson/Boyle Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 14.9% in SC)
Max Storage112 acre-ft
Normal Storage64 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDSC01473

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 7, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

IDLE HOUR FARMS LLC;MARILLA VAN BEUREN

Private

Nearby Dams

W and W Farms Dam

Sumter, SC

High Hazard 15 ft

Mulberry Picnic Pond Dam

Kershaw, SC

Low Hazard 8 ft

Graves Ski Pond Dam

Kershaw, SC

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Catawba Timber CO Dam

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Low Hazard 12 ft

Graham Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 16 ft

Mcleods Pond Dam

Sumter, SC

Unknown 9 ft

Boykin Millpond Dam

Kershaw, SC

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Mulberry House Pond Dam

Kershaw, SC

Unknown 8 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nicholson/Boyle Dam?

Nicholson/Boyle Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Nicholson/Boyle Dam?

Nicholson/Boyle Dam is owned by IDLE HOUR FARMS LLC;MARILLA VAN BEUREN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nicholson/Boyle Dam built?

Nicholson/Boyle Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Nicholson/Boyle Dam?

Nicholson/Boyle 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 Nicholson/Boyle Dam?

Nicholson/Boyle 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 Nicholson/Boyle Dam last inspected?

Nicholson/Boyle Dam was last inspected on April 7, 2017. 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.