Curtis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Curtis Lake Dam, also known as Winthrope Lake Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Smithsonia, Georgia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
Curtis Lake DamPioneer 1 Preview Pioneer 1
Curtis Lake DamPioneer 2 Preview Pioneer 2
Curtis Lake DamPioneer 3 Preview Pioneer 3