Fingers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Fingers Lake Dam, located in Thomas County, Georgia, was completed in 1958 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and other uses.


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Summary

This private dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. With a height of 17.2 feet and a length of 1260 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 228 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 474 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Norton Branch river, within the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fingers Lake Dam is primarily an earth dam with a buttress core type. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates operate in the same manner. Despite its last inspection date being in 2014, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated. It is important to note that the dam is not regulated by the state and has not been permitted for state inspection or enforcement, posing potential risks to the surrounding area in the event of a breach or failure.

With its serene location and important role in the local ecosystem, Fingers Lake Dam stands as a testament to the balance between human development and environmental conservation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's unique design and multifaceted purposes, while also acknowledging the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of this vital structure in Thomas County, Georgia.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1260

Dam Height

17.2

River Or Stream

NORTON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

17.4

Drainage Area

3280

Nid Storage

474

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.