Otts Pond Dam

LITTLE BEAVER CREEK· Calhoun, South Carolina· Built 1930· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Otts Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 50.2% in SC)
Max Storage73 acre-ft
Normal Storage41 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDSC01593

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: March 22, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

JOHN MICHAEL OTT SR

Private

Nearby Dams

Wannamakers Upper Dam

Calhoun, SC

High Hazard 31 ft

Crider Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Low Hazard 18 ft

Rast Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Falls Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Willie Rucker Dam

Calhoun, SC

Low Hazard 16 ft

Brakefield Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Unknown 15 ft

Gressett Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

High Hazard 17 ft

Ruckers Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Low Hazard 32 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Otts Pond Dam?

Otts Pond 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 Otts Pond Dam?

Otts Pond Dam is owned by JOHN MICHAEL OTT SR (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Otts Pond Dam built?

Otts Pond Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Otts Pond Dam?

Otts Pond 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 Otts Pond Dam?

Otts Pond Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Otts Pond Dam last inspected?

Otts Pond Dam was last inspected on March 22, 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.