Butler Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gary Pond Dam Mitchell Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Butler Lake Dam, located in Thomasville, Georgia, serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 14.2 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 445 acre-feet, creates Butler Lake which covers a surface area of 50.6 acres. The dam is situated on Wards Creek and is primarily used for recreation purposes, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities.
Despite its low hazard potential, Butler Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection in July 2019 rated the dam as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With a moderate risk level assigned to it, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, while lacking in certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). However, the dam continues to provide a peaceful and enjoyable environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
14.2 |
River Or Stream |
WARDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.9 |
Nid Storage |
445 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Butler Lake Dam