Richard B.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Little River Near Mt. Carmel
|
83cfs |
Broad River Near Bell
|
906cfs |
Beaverdam Creek Ab Elberton Ga
|
46cfs |
Broad River Above Carlton
|
418cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Rocky River Nr Starr
|
58cfs |