Smith-Jordan Pond Dam dam
Smith-Jordan Pond Dam
Smith-Jordan Pond Dam, located in Washington, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Completed in 1960, this structure stands at a height of 17 feet and spans a length of 290 feet, with a storage capacity of 182 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Sun Hill river and is under the jurisdiction of the state, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. However, the condition assessment remains unrated, suggesting a need for further evaluation and potential maintenance. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates operate in a similar manner. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, leaving room for improvement in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith-Jordan Pond Dam presents an intriguing case of a recreational structure with moderate risk potential. With its unique design and location on the Sun Hill river, there is an opportunity for further research and assessment to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital infrastructure in Georgia. As efforts continue to monitor and manage the dam's condition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management in safeguarding water resources and mitigating the impacts of potential climate events.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Smith-Jordan Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro | 31 cfs | → |
| Buffalo Creek At Ga 272 | 21 cfs | → |
| Oconee River Near Oconee | 576 cfs | → |
| Oconee River At Avant Mine | 369 cfs | → |
| Oconee River At Dublin | 656 cfs | → |
| Ogeechee River At Midville | 270 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Smith-Jordan Pond Dam.
Track Smith-Jordan Pond Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Smith-Jordan Pond Dam
Where does the data for Smith-Jordan Pond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Smith-Jordan Pond Dam.