Griffin & Sons Irrigation Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Griffin & Sons Irrigation Pond Dam, located in Ben Hill, Georgia, was completed in 1980 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 12 feet high and spans 855 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the state of Georgia and has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, making it a key structure for water resource management in the region.

Despite not being regularly inspected since 2008, Griffin & Sons Irrigation Pond Dam remains in good condition with a hazard potential deemed low. The dam's design by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) includes a buttress core type and serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation purposes. With a drainage area of 580 acres and a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. The surrounding community benefits from the dam's presence, ensuring water availability for agricultural operations.

The dam, located in a rural area with an unknown river or stream designation, operates without state permitting or inspection requirements. Despite this, the structure continues to fulfill its primary purpose of providing water for irrigation needs. The Griffin & Sons Irrigation Pond Dam, with its earth construction and uncontrolled spillway, represents a resilient piece of infrastructure that contributes to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

855

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

580

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.