Townsend Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Laurens, Georgia, Townsend Lake Dam is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an Earth type with a buttress core, stands at 21 feet high and spans 375 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 92.2 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 44 acre-feet, the dam covers an area of 8 acres and has a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falling under the jurisdiction of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Townsend Lake Dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets. Despite being unregulated by the state and lacking recent inspections, the dam is deemed to have a moderate risk level of 3. While the condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam's risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting potential areas for improvement and monitoring in the future. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Townsend Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and risk assessment.
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.4 |
Nid Storage |
92.2 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1030cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
864cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
49cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
606cfs |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
514cfs |
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
52cfs |
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.
Townsend Lake Dam