Owens Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mclendon Lake Dam Ballentine Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Owens Lake Dam, located in Dawson, Georgia, serves the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 11.9 feet and a hydraulic height of 10.8 feet, impounds water from Chenube Creek to create a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet. The dam has a normal storage level of 101 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 25.3 acres.
Despite being unlisted for foundations and having an uncontrolled spillway, Owens Lake Dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. The dam does not fall under state regulation but is subject to inspection every five years. The last inspection took place in August 2016. The risk management measures for the dam remain unspecified, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the local community.
Owens Lake Dam's presence on Chenube Creek highlights its importance in providing essential water resources for fire protection and agricultural purposes in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in the dam's design and operational details, as well as its role in supporting the local ecosystem and economy. As climate change poses challenges to water management, understanding and maintaining structures like Owens Lake Dam are crucial for ensuring sustainable water usage and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
11.9 |
River Or Stream |
CHENUBE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.8 |
Nid Storage |
184 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kinchafoonee Creek At Preston
|
236cfs |
Kinchafoonee Creek Near Dawson
|
593cfs |
Muckalee Creek Near Americus
|
238cfs |
Muckalee Creek At Ga 195
|
482cfs |
Ichawaynochaway Creek At Ga 37
|
421cfs |
Pachitla Creek Near Edison
|
245cfs |
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.
Owens Lake Dam