Sunnyside Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sunnyside Lake Dam, located in Thomaston, Georgia, was completed in 1952 and serves as a recreational water resource for the local community.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 32.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 225.5 acre-feet, with a surface area of 12 acres. The dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2013, Sunnyside Lake Dam poses moderate risk according to a recent assessment. While the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unclear. The dam's association with the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is marked as non-existent, suggesting that its maintenance and oversight fall solely on the private owner.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Upson County area can appreciate the historical significance and recreational value of Sunnyside Lake Dam. The dam's role in providing a scenic and enjoyable environment for outdoor activities, coupled with the ongoing regulatory processes to ensure public safety, highlights the intersection of human intervention and natural systems in managing water resources. As interest grows in sustainable practices and climate resilience, the stewardship of dams like Sunnyside Lake becomes a focal point for balancing recreation with safety and environmental considerations.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
209 |
Dam Height |
32.9 |
River Or Stream |
Unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
121 |
Nid Storage |
225.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flint River Near Culloden
|
1240cfs |
Flint River Near Griffin
|
341cfs |
Shoal Creek At Shoal Creek Rd
|
17cfs |
Line Creek Near Senoia
|
24cfs |
Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon
|
6cfs |
Flint River Near Lovejoy
|
95cfs |
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.
Sunnyside Lake Dam