Lake Oglethorpe Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Oglethorpe Dam, located in Greensboro, Georgia, was completed in 1972 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 528 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 1,243 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 62 acres. The dam is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The dam poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite being state regulated, it does not require permitting but is subject to state inspections. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates. With a moderate risk assessment, the dam's associated risk management measures and emergency action plans are not clearly defined. The last inspection took place in August 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years.
Lake Oglethorpe Dam serves as a recreational hub in Oglethorpe County, offering opportunities for water-related activities and scenic views along Goulding Creek. While the dam's risk level is moderate, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for the surrounding community and natural resources.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
528 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
GOULDING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
62 |
Drainage Area |
2200 |
Nid Storage |
1243 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
527cfs |
North Oconee River At College St
|
120cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
221cfs |
Apalachee River Near Bostwick
|
111cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Broad River Above Carlton
|
327cfs |
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.
Lake Oglethorpe Dam