Little Sandy - Trail Creek Ws Str # 14 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Sandy - Trail Creek WS Str # 14 is a state-regulated dam located in Clarke, Georgia, specifically in the city of Athens.


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Summary

Built in 1976 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 632 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 546 acre-feet and a normal storage of 55 acre-feet. The dam sits on the West Fork Trail Creek, covering a drainage area of 886 acres.

Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the last inspection in March 2017, Little Sandy - Trail Creek WS Str # 14 has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, making it crucial for the GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM to enforce regulations and conduct inspections to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding area.

In conclusion, Little Sandy - Trail Creek WS Str # 14 is an essential flood risk reduction structure in Clarke, Georgia, designed to protect the local community from potential water-related disasters. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location on the West Fork Trail Creek, this dam serves as a vital component of the region's water resource management infrastructure. Regular inspections and adherence to regulatory guidelines are crucial to maintaining the dam's safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

632

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

WEST FORK TRAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

886

Nid Storage

546

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.