Chokee Plantation Lake Dam (West) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chokee Plantation Lake Dam (West) is a privately owned earth dam located in Leesburg, Georgia, specifically on the Negro Head Branch.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam stands at a height of 21.9 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 161 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, making it low in hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment.

Despite being privately owned, Chokee Plantation Lake Dam (West) falls under state jurisdiction with regular inspections conducted every 5 years. The dam is not state regulated or permitted, but it is required to undergo state inspections. With a structural height of 18.8 feet and a length of 1005 feet, this dam serves as a recreational resource for the community while also posing a moderate risk level in terms of potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chokee Plantation Lake Dam (West) serves as an interesting case study in private dam ownership and management. The dam's design and construction details, as well as its risk assessment and hazard potential, provide valuable insights into the importance of regular inspections and maintenance for ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure. Its location in Lee, Georgia, offers a picturesque setting for recreation while also highlighting the need for responsible stewardship of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

1005

Dam Height

21.9

River Or Stream

NEGRO HEAD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.2

Hydraulic Height

18.8

Nid Storage

225

Structural Height

18.8

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.