Ward Lake Dam North dam
Ward Lake Dam North
Located in Ashburn, Georgia, the Ward Lake Dam North is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation. Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and stretches 480 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, it is subject to inspections every five years to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving its purpose of providing recreational opportunities for visitors.
The dam's design, with a buttress core and unknown foundation, reflects a blend of stability and functionality, supporting its role in managing the water resources of the area. While not regulated by the state, the Ward Lake Dam North is under regular inspection to maintain its moderate risk assessment level. Its location within the Mobile District and proximity to the Walton County line make it a vital component of the local landscape, contributing to the conservation and enjoyment of the surrounding natural environment. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam to be an intriguing example of human engineering interacting with the forces of nature in a harmonious balance.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ward Lake Dam North -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Alcovy River Above Covington | 33 cfs | → |
| Apalachee River Near Bostwick | 56 cfs | → |
| Little Haynes Creek At Dial Mill Rd Nr Milstead Ga | 9 cfs | → |
| Big Haynes Creek At Jack Turner Dam | 22 cfs | → |
| Big Haynes Creek At Bald Rock Road | 18 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Gees Mill Road | 122 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ward Lake Dam North.
Campgrounds
- Hard Labor Creek State Park
- Camp Rutledge
- Fort Yargo State Park
- James Shackleford County Park
- Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area
- Oconee River
Fishing spots
- Black Shoals Lake
- Parkers Lake
- Twin Lakes
- Rhodes Jordan Park
- Davidson Mountain Nature Preserve
- Chapman Lake
Track Ward Lake Dam North in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ward Lake Dam North
Where does the data for Ward Lake Dam North come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ward Lake Dam North.