Lower Stapleton Lake Dam No. 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Stapleton Lake Dam No.


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Summary

3, located in Telfair, Georgia, was completed in 1970 and serves as a crucial irrigation source in the area. This private dam, designed by SCS, stands at a height of 12 feet with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam is primarily earth-filled with a buttress core, and its spillway type is uncontrolled.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been officially rated since its last inspection in 1988. The risk assessment for Lower Stapleton Lake Dam No. 3 is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While there is no state regulation or inspection in place for this dam, it remains an essential infrastructure for the surrounding community's agricultural needs.

Given its historical significance and the critical role it plays in irrigation, Lower Stapleton Lake Dam No. 3 is a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and monitor. The dam's location, design, and purpose make it an intriguing case study in water management and infrastructure maintenance, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by similar structures in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

690

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

437

Nid Storage

95

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.