Durrence Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Durrence Lake Dam, located in Claxton, Georgia, was completed in 1968 and serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 16 feet and a length of 835 feet, impounds the Barnard Mill Big Branch, creating a surface area of 22 acres and a storage capacity of 259 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state inspection and regulation, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.
The primary purpose of Durrence Lake Dam is recreation, offering residents and visitors a tranquil setting for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is considered to be in good condition, though it has not been formally rated. While the dam does not have controlled spillways or outlet gates, its uncontrolled spillway and design by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) reflect a commitment to both safety and environmental sustainability.
The dam, situated within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and serves as a valuable water resource for the local ecosystem. With its earth and buttress construction, Durrence Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible dam design and management, ensuring the continued enjoyment and preservation of this natural reservoir for years to come.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
835 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
BARNARD MILL BIG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1400 |
Nid Storage |
259 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canoochee River Near Claxton
|
86cfs |
Ohoopee River Near Reidsville
|
216cfs |
Black Creek Near Blitchton
|
46cfs |
Ogeechee River Near Eden
|
791cfs |
Peacock Creek At Mcintosh
|
4cfs |
Altamaha River Near Baxley
|
4780cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Durrence Lake Dam