Richard B. Russell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richard B.


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Summary

Russell Dam, located in Elberton, Georgia, is a federal hydroelectric structure on the Savannah River that serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. Completed in 1986, the concrete dam stands at 136 feet high and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,488,166 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in mitigating downstream flooding by controlling water releases through its spillway gates, which transfer excess water to the J. Strom Thurmond Lake. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has a well-maintained emergency action plan and risk management measures in place to ensure the safety of the surrounding areas, including the city of Augusta, Georgia.

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and risk assessment of Richard B. Russell Dam, which includes regular inspections, emergency exercises, and coordination with local emergency managers. The risk assessment conducted in 2017 characterized the dam's risk as very low but acknowledged the potential for rare, extreme storm events that may require opening the spillway gates to prevent overtopping. While the dam has never experienced flooding events that necessitated opening the spillway gates, USACE remains vigilant in monitoring the dam's performance and conducting necessary repairs to ensure its structural integrity.

Overall, Richard B. Russell Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a comprehensive emergency action plan, ongoing risk management measures, and close collaboration with local authorities, the dam continues to uphold its purpose of safeguarding downstream communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and potential dam failures.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

4524

Dam Height

136

River Or Stream

SAVANNAH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

26653

Hydraulic Height

185

Drainage Area

2890

Nid Storage

1488166

Structural Height

195

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

195
       
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.