Railroad Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Railroad Pond Dam, located in Greene County, Georgia, is a privately owned structure built in 1920 by the GA Railroad.


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Summary

The dam sits on Sherrills Creek and serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 7 acres and a normal storage capacity of 52.5 acre-feet. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 390 feet, Railroad Pond Dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Although not regulated by the state, Railroad Pond Dam undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, and the associated structures remain unlisted. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. Overall, Railroad Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of small recreational dams in the southeastern United States.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SHERRILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

175

Nid Storage

81

Structural Height

18.8

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.