Snowden Irrigation Pond Dam (Cabin) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Snowden Irrigation Pond Dam, also known as Snowden Lake Dam West, is a privately owned structure located in Ben Hill, Georgia.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.8 feet and serves the primary purpose of irrigation. With a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet and a normal storage of 85 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 12.5 acres and drains an area of 340 acres.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and efficiency. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with the structure being under state jurisdiction but not state regulated. Despite its rural location, the Snowden Irrigation Pond Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area and contributes to water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Snowden Irrigation Pond Dam (Cabin) will find this privately owned earth dam in Georgia a fascinating structure designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a focus on irrigation, the dam provides essential water storage for agricultural purposes in Ben Hill County. Although it has a low hazard potential and is not currently regulated by the state, regular inspections ensure its safety and functionality. The moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of managing and maintaining this vital water resource infrastructure for the benefit of the local community and surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
19.8 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.6 |
Drainage Area |
340 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Snowden Irrigation Pond Dam (Cabin)