Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oliva Lake Dam # 1 Oliva Lake Dam # 2
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam, located in Thomasville, Georgia, was completed in 1940 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 32.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet. With a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet and a drainage area of 360 acres, the dam covers a surface area of 16 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 176 acre-feet.
Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the state of Georgia with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, and while it does not have a formal Emergency Action Plan in place, it meets state jurisdiction requirements and is subject to inspection every five years.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam provides a fascinating case study in dam management and regulation. With its historical significance dating back to the 1940s, the dam continues to serve its primary purposes while also posing a moderate risk in terms of potential hazards. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, understanding the maintenance and operation of dams like Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam becomes increasingly important for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
735 |
Dam Height |
32.6 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
360 |
Nid Storage |
246 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Winnstead Plantation Lake Dam