Big Lake Dam in Oglethorpe, Georgia, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1969 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at 40 feet tall and stretching 300 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 104 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unknown river or stream, within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and is not subject to state regulation or permitting.
Although Big Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it has not undergone a formal inspection since September 2002. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam presents a moderate risk level, as identified by a risk assessment score of 3. Despite the lack of recent assessments and emergency preparedness measures, the dam continues to serve as a recreational attraction in the area for activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Big Lake Dam an interesting subject for further study, particularly in terms of its environmental impact on the surrounding area and its resilience to potential hazards. As a privately-owned structure without federal involvement, the dam's management and maintenance practices could also be of interest in assessing its long-term sustainability and safety for both recreational users and local wildlife.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
585 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Broad River Above Carlton
|
418cfs |
North Oconee River At College St
|
197cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
312cfs |
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
712cfs |
Beaverdam Creek Ab Elberton Ga
|
46cfs |