Little Sandy Trail Creek 6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Sandy Trail Creek 6 is a significant earth dam located in Madison, Georgia, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 507 feet, providing storage capacity for up to 910 acre-feet of water. With a drainage area of 2.9 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1250 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the area.

Despite its age, Little Sandy Trail Creek 6 remains in moderate condition with a significant hazard potential, according to the latest data available from a 2016 inspection. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, offering a means of releasing excess water during periods of high flow. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not currently available, it is clear that this structure plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood events.

As a key component of the local government's flood risk reduction efforts, Little Sandy Trail Creek 6 serves as a critical infrastructure asset in the region. With its strategic location in Athens, Georgia, and its ability to store and manage water effectively, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the safety and security of nearby residents.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

507

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Sandy Creek E

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

910

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.