Central Ga. Branch Exp. Sta. Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Central Ga.
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Summary
Branch Exp. Sta. Lake Dam, located in Putnam, Georgia, was completed in 1970 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. This private earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a length of 585 feet. It has a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres, with a normal storage level of 56 acre-feet.
Despite being unregulated by the state and having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates. The surrounding area has not been rated for condition assessment, and inspection frequency and emergency preparedness plans have not been documented. The dam is part of the Savannah District and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia, but no state agencies are actively involved in its regulation or management.
In terms of water resource and climate impact, the Central Ga. Branch Exp. Sta. Lake Dam plays a role in fire protection and ecological management of the surrounding area. As a privately owned structure, its maintenance and safety protocols are crucial in ensuring the continued functionality and safety of the dam. With its moderate risk level and unregulated status, there may be opportunities for improvement in monitoring and assessment to enhance the resilience of the dam in the face of potential climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River Near Eatonton
|
85cfs |
Murder Creek Below Eatonton
|
58cfs |
Alcovy River Below Covington
|
117cfs |
Alcovy River Above Covington
|
96cfs |
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
527cfs |
Ocmulgee River Near Jackson
|
534cfs |
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.
Central Ga. Branch Exp. Sta. Lake Dam