Willis Millpond Dam
Willis Millpond Dam is a dam located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, built in 1855. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Willis Millpond Dam
The primary purpose of Willis Millpond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Tim Smith And Winchester Smith Iii (private). It impounds the Spur Branch.
The dam stands 9 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Completed in 1855, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/06/2022.
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Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Barnwell |
| River/Stream | Spur Branch |
| Coordinates | 33.40270, -81.36040 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Year Completed | 1855 (171 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 83 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 83 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 41 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | TIM SMITH AND WINCHESTER SMITH III |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 12/06/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SCD03054 |
| Federal ID | SCD03054 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |