Terry Farms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Terry Farms Lake Dam, also known as Terry Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Jackson, Georgia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1965 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), this recreational dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans a length of 565 feet. With a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet, the dam offers a serene 13-acre surface area for water recreation activities.

Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, Terry Farms Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, it undergoes inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in August 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no state regulation or permitting required for its operation. In case of emergencies, the dam's emergency action plan status and readiness remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Terry Farms Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Georgia. Its construction history and design specifications, along with the lack of regulatory oversight, raise questions about the management and safety protocols in place. As the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation, monitoring and assessing its risk factors and emergency preparedness will be crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of this water resource for future generations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

565

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Nid Storage

196

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

44
       
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.