Oetter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ayers Lake Dam Bill Mathis Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oetter Lake Dam, located in Gordon, Georgia, was completed in 1965 and serves as a recreational water resource for the local community.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 550 feet in length, has a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Owned privately, Oetter Lake Dam is primarily used for recreation purposes and does not fall under state regulatory oversight. The dam's design features an earth core with buttress foundations and an uncontrolled spillway. It is situated in Wilkinson County, Georgia, within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is considered to have moderate risk, prompting the implementation of risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.
With its serene surroundings and ample water storage capacity, Oetter Lake Dam provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and serves as a vital resource for the local community. While its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment present challenges for long-term maintenance and safety, ongoing inspections and risk management measures help ensure the continued enjoyment and safety of all who visit the dam and its surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1160 |
Nid Storage |
197 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ocmulgee River At Macon
|
2030cfs |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
635cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
846cfs |
Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon
|
6cfs |
Falling Creek Near Juliette
|
21cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
145cfs |
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.
Oetter Lake Dam