Patten Seed & Turfgrass Irrigation Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Patten Seed & Turfgrass Irrigation Pond Dam, also known as Howard Lake Dam, is a private Earth dam located in Bonaire, Peach County, Georgia.


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Summary

Built in 1983 by SCS, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes with a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet and a normal storage of 88.2 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 25.2 feet, with a hydraulic height of 23.8 feet, and spans a length of 540 feet.

Although the dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, its risk assessment is moderate. The last inspection conducted in March 2017 indicated that the dam's condition was not rated, highlighting the need for further assessment and potential risk management measures. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Patten Seed & Turfgrass Irrigation Pond Dam presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's location in Georgia's Peach County, along with its purpose for irrigation, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to prevent any potential risks or hazards that may arise in the future.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

25.2

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

23.8

Drainage Area

315

Nid Storage

122

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.