Ralph Smith Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Ralph Smith Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 33 ft (taller than 85.2% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | SC01498 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
KATHERINE AND JOHN ORTMAN
Private
Nearby Dams
Eloise Watson Dam
Kershaw, SC
Significant Hazard 26 ftStokes Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 34 ftBagnal Builders Dam
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Low Hazard 19 ftBarfield Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 13 ftBowen Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 37 ftBowen'S Pond Dam
Kershaw, SC
Significant Hazard 27 ftDon Taylor Dam
Kershaw, SC
High Hazard 19 ftWhitehead Brothers Dam
Kershaw, SC
Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ralph Smith Pond Dam?
Ralph Smith 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 Ralph Smith Pond Dam?
Ralph Smith Pond Dam is owned by KATHERINE AND JOHN ORTMAN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ralph Smith Pond Dam built?
Ralph Smith Pond 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 Ralph Smith Pond Dam?
Ralph Smith 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 Ralph Smith Pond Dam?
Ralph Smith Pond Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Ralph Smith Pond Dam last inspected?
Ralph Smith Pond Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.