Lake Ma-Bo Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Ma-Bo Dam, also known as Nelson Lake Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Turner, Georgia, near the city of Ashburn.
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Summary
The dam was designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and serves the primary purpose of irrigation. This earth dam, with a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 14.3 feet, has a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 26 acres. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam is inspected regularly for safety, with the last inspection conducted in March 2015.
Situated on an unknown river or stream, the Lake Ma-Bo Dam poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date and no specific risk management measures listed. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it has not undergone any modifications since its completion. With a drainage area of 550 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation purposes in the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Ma-Bo Dam offers a fascinating example of private ownership and operation in managing water resources for agricultural needs. The dam's location in a rural setting underscores the importance of such structures in supporting local farming communities. With its modest size and low hazard potential, Lake Ma-Bo Dam stands as a testament to the effective design and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure in Georgia.
Dam Length |
1290 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.3 |
Drainage Area |
550 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little R At Tifton Worth Co Line Rd
|
0cfs |
Flint River At Ga 32
|
4340cfs |
Flint River At Albany
|
3510cfs |
Muckalee Creek At Ga 195
|
419cfs |
Kinchafoonee Creek Near Dawson
|
531cfs |
Little River Near Adel
|
3cfs |
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.
Lake Ma-Bo Dam