Tharpe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tharpe Lake Dam, located in Andersonville, Georgia, was completed in 1977 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

This private dam, with a height of 25.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 21.4 feet, has a storage capacity of 273.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres. While the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3) associated with the structure.

Even though Tharpe Lake Dam is not state regulated, it undergoes regular inspections with the last one conducted in October 1990. The dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated" with an inspection frequency of 5 years. Although the dam lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), it falls under the jurisdiction of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Tharpe Lake Dam to be an interesting case study for its unique design as an earth dam with a buttress core type, serving as a vital resource for the local community.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1320

Dam Height

25.8

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

21.4

Nid Storage

273.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.