Nesmith's Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Billy Barlow Dam Gully Branch Pond
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nesmith's Pond Dam, located in Bleckley, Georgia, was completed in 1945, primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet, with a length of 1,220 feet, and a storage capacity of 344 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Big Branch, and its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates highlight its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by a private owner, the dam has undergone inspections, with the last one conducted in 2004. While the condition assessment remains unrated, the risk management measures for the dam are not specified. Despite the absence of state regulation and permitting, the dam continues to serve its recreational purpose within the Cochrane Airport Environs, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its serene surroundings and potential for outdoor activities.
As an essential part of the Savannah District, Nesmith's Pond Dam demonstrates the importance of maintaining and managing earth dams for both recreational and safety purposes. With its historical significance and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's future maintenance and inspection schedules play a crucial role in ensuring its continued functionality and safety for visitors and the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
1220 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
4200 |
Nid Storage |
344 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville
|
2110cfs |
Tucsawhatchee Creek Near Hawkinsville
|
29cfs |
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1070cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
895cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Macon
|
817cfs |
Turnpike Creek Near Mcrae
|
11cfs |
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.
Nesmith's Pond Dam