Sykes Lake Dam South Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sykes Lake Dam South, located in Claxton, Georgia, is a private earth dam primarily used for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a structural height of 13 feet and a length of 645 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 93 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 158 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 430 acres. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates.
Despite being in a low hazard potential category, Sykes Lake Dam South has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The last inspection was conducted in July 2010, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared for the structure. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency but is subject to state inspection.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in dam infrastructure, Sykes Lake Dam South offers a unique insight into private dam ownership and management in Georgia. With its specific purposes and design characteristics, the dam presents an example of a smaller-scale structure contributing to local water management and resource utilization. The risk assessment and inspection data provide valuable information for understanding the safety and maintenance considerations associated with this type of dam.
Dam Length |
645 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
430 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canoochee River Near Claxton
|
69cfs |
Ohoopee River Near Reidsville
|
195cfs |
Ogeechee River At Rocky Ford Rd
|
887cfs |
Black Creek Near Blitchton
|
32cfs |
Altamaha River Near Baxley
|
4410cfs |
Ogeechee River Near Eden
|
857cfs |
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.
Sykes Lake Dam South