Sonny Glenn Estate Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sonny Glenn Estate Lake Dam, located in Cotton, Georgia, was completed in 1951 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private Earth dam stands at a height of 17.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 148 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 91 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with a buttress core type, spans 645 feet in length and covers a surface area of 14 acres. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type is designated as "Uncontrolled," with a hazard potential rated as low and a moderate risk assessment.

The dam, situated in Mitchell County, Georgia, is subject to state inspection and jurisdiction, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the last inspection was conducted in June 2018 with a 5-year inspection frequency. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the data surrounding Sonny Glenn Estate Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned dam supporting agricultural irrigation in the region. With its historical significance and operational functionality, this dam serves as a valuable asset in managing water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

645

Dam Height

17.4

River Or Stream

Name unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

16.6

Drainage Area

735

Nid Storage

148

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.