Smiley Pond Dam dam
Smiley Pond Dam
Smiley Pond Dam, located in Long, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes. Standing at 14 feet high and spanning 420 feet in length, this dam holds a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet. The dam, designed by Mr. Smiley, is classified as low-hazard with a moderate risk assessment.
Despite not being regulated by the state or having undergone recent inspections, Smiley Pond Dam remains a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam provides a serene setting for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. While the condition assessment is currently unrated, the dam's risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety of its surrounding community.
As one of the lesser-known structures within the Savannah District, Smiley Pond Dam offers a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With its moderate risk assessment and low-hazard potential, this earth dam serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking a close connection with water resources and the environment.
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 Smiley Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Altamaha River At Doctortown | 5,740 cfs | → |
| Peacock Creek At Mcintosh | 4 cfs | → |
| Little Satilla River Near Offerman | 0 cfs | → |
| Satilla River At Atkinson | 87 cfs | → |
| Canoochee River Near Claxton | 2 cfs | → |
| Black Creek Near Blitchton | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Smiley Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- Cypress Street Wayne County
- Pig Farm Landing
- Lesa Street Hinesville
- Williamsburg Landing
- Arnold River Road 599, Jesup
- Getaway Lane, Surrency
Campgrounds
- Barrington County Park
- Holbrook Pond Campground
- Holbrook Pond Military - Fort Stewart
- Altamaha County Park
- Altamaha Regional Park
Track Smiley Pond Dam 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 Smiley Pond Dam
Where does the data for Smiley Pond Dam 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 Smiley Pond Dam.