Cato Irrigation Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Cato Irrigation Pond Dam, located in Appling, Georgia, was completed in 1988 and serves as a vital resource for irrigation purposes in the region.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at 26 feet in height and stretches 825 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With a spillway type listed as "Uncontrolled" and outlet gates also categorized as uncontrolled, the dam's management and operation rely heavily on natural water flow dynamics. The surrounding area encompasses a surface area of 12 acres and a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. The risk assessment for the Cato Irrigation Pond Dam is deemed moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures and potential improvements to meet safety guidelines.

Although not regulated by the state, the dam's significance lies in its crucial role in supporting agricultural activities through irrigation. The Cato Irrigation Pond Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate adaptation in sustaining local economies and communities in Georgia.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

825

Dam Height

26

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

173

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.