Curtis Lake Dam, also known as Winthrope Lake Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Smithsonia, Georgia.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1971 by designer PILKINTON, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 37 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 630 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 487 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1217 acres along the Long Branch river.
Despite being privately owned, Curtis Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it meets the guidelines for an emergency action plan (EAP) and has had inspections every 5 years, with the last one conducted in August 2016.
Overall, Curtis Lake Dam is a vital water resource in Oglethorpe, Georgia, providing both recreational opportunities and necessary storage capacity. While it has a low hazard potential, regular inspections and risk assessments are conducted to maintain its safety and functionality. Water and climate enthusiasts visiting the area can appreciate the beauty and significance of this earth dam along the Long Branch river.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
LONG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Drainage Area |
1217 |
Nid Storage |
487 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
North Oconee River At College St
|
197cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Broad River Above Carlton
|
418cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
312cfs |
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
712cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
|
269cfs |