Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam, located in Washington, Georgia, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches 1700 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 103 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 420 acres.
Despite its recreational significance, Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in March 2017 revealed the dam's poor state, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam currently relies on uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, lacking proper regulatory oversight and enforcement, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance.
With a history of private ownership and limited federal involvement, Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam serves as a critical reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and enforcement to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for proper management and investment in infrastructure like Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam to protect communities and ecosystems downstream.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
420 |
Nid Storage |
136 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
83cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
145cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
1430cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
846cfs |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
635cfs |
Oconee River At Dublin
|
2420cfs |
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.
Lower Yarbrough Lake Dam