James Stokes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

James Stokes Lake Dam, located in Lizella, Georgia, is a private earth dam built in 1959 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 23 feet with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, the dam spans 420 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, with a surface area of 12 acres and a drainage area of 850 acres.

The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment of 3. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the last inspection was conducted in June 2015 with a frequency of every 5 years. The dam is not regulated by the state but is under state jurisdiction and has no state permitting or enforcement. With its unique design and purpose, James Stokes Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection and aquatic life in the Bibb County area of Georgia.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

850

Nid Storage

160

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.