James "Sloppy" Floyd Lower Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Chattooga, Georgia, the James "Sloppy" Floyd Lower Lake Dam is a state-owned structure built in 1971 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 37.2 feet and with a length of 918 feet, impounds the waters of MARBLE SPRING BRANCH to create a serene lake with a storage capacity of 646 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a safe and enjoyable destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Managed by the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam features an earth core with a buttress foundation. The uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates ensure controlled water release during high flow events. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspection every five years to ensure its integrity and safety. With a surface area of 35 acres and a drainage area of 2350 acres, the James "Sloppy" Floyd Lower Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of water resources and climate, the James "Sloppy" Floyd Lower Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study of a recreational dam in Georgia. From its construction in 1971 to its current low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this state-owned structure provides a valuable source of water storage for the community while offering a tranquil backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. With its strategic location in Summerville and easy access to MARBLE SPRING BRANCH, the dam is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about water management and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

918

Dam Height

37.2

River Or Stream

MARBLE SPRING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

2350

Nid Storage

646

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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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.