Cordell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cordell Lake Dam, located in Laurens, Georgia, was completed in 1955 and stands at a height of 24 feet with a length of 395 feet.
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Summary
The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 11 acres and a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. The dam, classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cordell Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and inspection, with the last recorded inspection taking place in November 2004. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a controlled drainage area of 165 square miles. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, the dam has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date, and risk management measures are currently unspecified.
With its scenic location and recreational offerings, Cordell Lake Dam provides an essential water resource for the surrounding area while also serving as a potential risk for its moderate hazard level. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of dams like Cordell Lake Dam are crucial to ensuring public safety and the preservation of this valuable natural asset.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
395 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
165 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1070cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
895cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
54cfs |
Oconee River Near Mount Vernon
|
1340cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
614cfs |
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
56cfs |
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.
Cordell Lake Dam