Ruesch Pond Dam

MIDDLE PEN SWAMP· Orangeburg, South Carolina· Built 1962· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ruesch Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 14 ft (taller than 19.3% in SC)
Max Storage317 acre-ft
Normal Storage124 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDSC00412

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: June 6, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

JOHHNY L MURDAUGH

Private

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Lake Clare Dam

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Sutcliffe Pond Dam

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Pricketts Pond Dam

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Smoak Pond Dam

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Gues Pond Dam

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Gressettes Pond Dam

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Shaffer Pond Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ruesch Pond Dam?

Ruesch Pond 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 Ruesch Pond Dam?

Ruesch Pond Dam is owned by JOHHNY L MURDAUGH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ruesch Pond Dam built?

Ruesch Pond Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Ruesch Pond Dam?

Ruesch 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 Ruesch Pond Dam?

Ruesch Pond Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Ruesch Pond Dam last inspected?

Ruesch Pond Dam was last inspected on June 6, 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.