Richard Boykin Irrig. Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richard Boykin Irrigation Pond Dam, located in Screven, Georgia, is a privately owned structure designed by Richard Boykin in 1978.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is classified as an earth dam with a height of 15 feet and a length of 885 feet. It has a storage capacity of 203 acre-feet and covers an area of 20 acres. The dam is situated on Dry Branch near Zion Fair Church Environs and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia.

Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam has been inspected periodically, with the last inspection conducted in March 2018. It has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and there are no emergency action plans in place as of the latest data update in April 2021.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Richard Boykin Irrigation Pond Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Georgia. Its design and construction details, storage capacity, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the management of small dams and the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Further research and analysis could shed light on the sustainability and resilience of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions and hydrological patterns.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

885

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

DRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

870

Nid Storage

203

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.