Ben Smith Dam
Ben Smith Dam is a dam located in York County, South Carolina, built in 1957. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Ben Smith Dam
The primary purpose of Ben Smith Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by B Rush Smith Iii And Beverly S Hutchinson (private). It impounds the Morris Branch.
The dam stands 30 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Completed in 1957, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 12/02/2022.
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Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | York |
| River/Stream | Morris Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.05370, -81.25960 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | B RUSH SMITH III AND BEVERLY S HUTCHINSON |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SCD03642 |
| Federal ID | SCD03642 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |