Dorns Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dorns Pond Dam, located in Richmond, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, designed by DORN, stands at a height of 8 feet and spans a length of 250 feet. It impounds Smith Branch, creating a surface area of 14 acres and a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet.

Despite not being state-regulated, Dorns Pond Dam holds a moderate hazard potential with an undetermined condition assessment. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in October 1989, and its risk assessment is categorized as moderate. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated structures or locks mentioned in the data.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams, Dorns Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study with its private ownership, lack of state regulation, and moderate hazard potential. The dam's design and purpose for recreation add an additional layer of interest to its structural and risk assessment details, making it a noteworthy example in the field of water resource management and infrastructure safety.

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

SMITH BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Nid Storage

75

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.