Sinclair, also known as Furman Shoals, is a captivating hydroelectric dam located in Milledgeville, Georgia on the Oconee River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1953 with a dam height of 104 feet and a hydraulic height of 92 feet, it serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. The dam has a storage capacity of 490,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15,330 acres, making it a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sinclair Dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 870 feet and 24 Tainter (radial) outlet gates. With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment indicating very high risk, the dam requires regular inspections and emergency action plans to ensure public safety. Despite its age, Sinclair Dam continues to play a vital role in water management and energy production in the area, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource infrastructure in the face of climate change and increasing water demands.
As a gravity-type dam with a rock foundation, Sinclair Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence and the importance of proactive risk management in the face of potential hazards. The dam's location in Baldwin County, Georgia, coupled with its significant storage capacity and drainage area, highlights its crucial role in water management and flood control in the region. With its rich history and ongoing importance, Sinclair Dam remains a key player in the sustainable development and utilization of water resources in Georgia.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
2988 |
Dam Height |
104 |
River Or Stream |
Oconee |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
15330 |
Hydraulic Height |
92 |
Drainage Area |
2910 |
Nid Storage |
490000 |
Structural Height |
105 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 24 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
105 |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
635cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
1570cfs |
Murder Creek Below Eatonton
|
82cfs |
Little River Near Eatonton
|
158cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
120cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
3050cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Oconee Springs County Park
|
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Lake Sinclair
|
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Lake Sinclair Recreation Area
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