Lonesome Oak Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lonesome Oak Dam, also known as Gholston Lake Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Madison, Georgia.
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Summary
Constructed in 1974, this dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 450 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 129 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities.
Situated on Little Scull Shoal Creek, Lonesome Oak Dam is under state jurisdiction and receives regular inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam poses minimal risk to surrounding communities in the event of a failure. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the maintenance and management of dams like Lonesome Oak to prevent any potential risks to the environment and public safety.
Despite its private ownership and limited federal involvement, Lonesome Oak Dam serves as a valuable recreational resource in the area, offering a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam provides a unique habitat for wildlife and a serene environment for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Georgia's waterways. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial to prioritize the upkeep and monitoring of dams like Lonesome Oak to ensure their long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE SCULL SHOAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
129 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Broad River Above Carlton
|
418cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Beaverdam Creek Ab Elberton Ga
|
46cfs |
North Oconee River At College St
|
197cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
312cfs |
Broad River Near Bell
|
906cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pioneer 3
|
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Pioneer 1
|
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Pioneer 2
|
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River's Edge Campground
|
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Victoria Bryant State Park
|
Lonesome Oak Dam