Thompson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thompson Dam, located in Tates Creek, Georgia, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for fish and wildlife conservation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1971 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 172 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam safeguards a drainage area of 0.52 square miles and can discharge up to 280 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway that is 64 feet wide.

Despite its low hazard potential, Thompson Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region by providing fire protection, recreational opportunities, and a habitat for small fish and wildlife. The dam's construction and operations are overseen by the USDA NRCS, ensuring that it continues to serve its intended purposes effectively. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Thompson Dam remains a vital asset in the conservation and management of water resources in Banks County, Georgia, under the watchful eye of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

172

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Tates Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.52

Nid Storage

56

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.