Ward Lake Dam dam
Ward Lake Dam
Ward Lake Dam, also known as Ashurst Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Putnam, Georgia. Completed in 1960, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches 825 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Ward Lake Dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in the area.
Managed by the Savannah District, Ward Lake Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. While it is not regulated by the state, the dam has not been inspected or rated for condition assessment. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, offering a serene environment for visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature while also understanding the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
For enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate, Ward Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure in Georgia. As a vital aspect of the local landscape, the dam offers a valuable opportunity to explore the intersection of human intervention in natural environments and the necessity of sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and stability of our water resources. With its historical significance and functional purpose, Ward Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ward Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little River Near Eatonton | 39 cfs | → |
| Murder Creek Below Eatonton | 40 cfs | → |
| Oconee River At Milledgeville | 294 cfs | → |
| Oconee River Near Penfield | 307 cfs | → |
| Ocmulgee River Near Jackson | 441 cfs | → |
| Falling Creek Near Juliette | 5 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ward Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Ellis Road Jasper County
- Ccc Camp Loop Morgan County
- Wise Creek Tail Jasper County
- Round Oak-Juliette Road Monroe County
Campgrounds
- Old Salem
- Lake Sinclair
- Lake Sinclair Recreation Area
- Oconee Springs County Park
- Lawrence Shoals
- Parks Ferry
Fishing spots
Track Ward Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ward Lake Dam
Where does the data for Ward Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ward Lake Dam.