Flint River Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Flint River, located in Dougherty County, Georgia, is home to a gravity dam constructed in 1921 by the designers MEES & MEES.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This public utility dam serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes and stands at a height of 60 feet with a hydraulic height of 30.6 feet. With a storage capacity of 37,000 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 1,400 acres and has a drainage area of 5,310 square miles. The maximum discharge capacity of the Flint River dam is 52,000 cubic feet per second, making it a vital component in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Flint River dam has a controlled spillway width of 464 feet and is equipped with 16 Tainter (radial) outlet gates. The hazard potential of the dam is rated as high, with a very high risk assessment score of 1. While the condition assessment is not currently available, the dam undergoes inspections annually to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, the Flint River dam continues to play a crucial role in providing hydroelectric power and regulating water flow in the region.
As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the Flint River dam serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering and its ongoing impact on the environment. The dam's historical significance, combined with its modern function in hydroelectric power generation and water management, underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in mitigating the effects of climate change. The Flint River dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource utilization, highlighting the complex relationship between water resources, climate, and infrastructure in the 21st century.
Year Completed |
1921 |
Dam Length |
3497 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
Flint |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1400 |
Hydraulic Height |
30.6 |
Drainage Area |
5310 |
Nid Storage |
37000 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 16 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flint River At Albany
|
3480cfs |
Flint River At Ga 32
|
3800cfs |
Muckalee Creek At Ga 195
|
323cfs |
Kinchafoonee Creek Near Dawson
|
501cfs |
Flint River At Newton
|
3010cfs |
Ichawaynochaway Creek At Ga 37
|
315cfs |
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.
Flint River
Dougherty County
C W Heath Park
Hillsman Park
Park Street Recreation Complex
Kinchafoonee Recreation Complex