Ponder Farm Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ponder Farm Lake Dam, located in Tift County, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1958 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 15.4 feet and stretching 810 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 90.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11 acres. It draws water from a drainage area of 130 square miles and serves as a crucial resource for agricultural activities in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Ponder Farm Lake Dam is currently not rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or inspection frequency documented. While it does not fall under state regulation or permitting, the dam's maintenance and emergency preparedness remain key considerations for ensuring the safety and sustainability of its water resource management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ponder Farm Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam infrastructure and its role in supporting irrigation practices in rural Georgia. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, this earth dam serves as a vital component of the local water management system, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and emergency planning for ensuring the continued reliability and safety of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

810

Dam Height

15.4

River Or Stream

NO NAME

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

130

Nid Storage

90.7

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.