Cowan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cowan Lake Dam, located in Ben Hill, Georgia, was completed in 1965 and serves primarily for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam was designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and stands at a height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 17 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres, with a drainage area of 75 square miles.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Cowan Lake Dam poses a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. The dam is of earth construction with a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway. With its picturesque location and vital purposes, the dam provides essential water resources for the surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cowan Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study of privately owned infrastructure contributing to community resilience and environmental sustainability in Georgia.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
75 |
Nid Storage |
71 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Cowan Lake Dam