Sumner Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Paulk Lake Dam Betts Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Cook, Georgia, Sumner Lake Dam is a private structure with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1940 on Big Branch, this earth dam stands at 7.8 feet tall and stretches 920 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type is listed as "Uncontrolled" with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3.
While the dam's condition assessment is "Not Rated," its risk management measures remain unspecified. The structure has not been inspected in recent years, indicating a potential lack of maintenance oversight. Situated within the jurisdiction of the Jacksonville District, Sumner Lake Dam serves the Sparks Community and contributes to the local water resource management efforts, albeit with limited regulatory oversight. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and the challenges associated with maintaining aging infrastructure in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
920 |
Dam Height |
7.8 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
3460 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sumner Lake Dam