Thiele Process Water Retention Dam A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Thiele Process Water Retention Dam A, located in Washington, Georgia, was completed in 1984 and serves the primary purpose of containing tailings.


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Summary

This private earth dam, with a structural height of 28 feet and a length of 465 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 1300 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1120 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 58 acres and has a drainage area of 104 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the Thiele Process Water Retention Dam A has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with inspection frequency set at 5 years. The dam is not state regulated, but state jurisdiction is in place for inspection purposes. The designer of the dam was LAW ENGINEERING, and it falls under the oversight of the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

With its strategic location and crucial role in water retention for the Thiele Process, this dam presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. It highlights the importance of proper dam design, maintenance, and risk management in safeguarding water resources and minimizing potential environmental hazards.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

58

Drainage Area

104

Nid Storage

1300

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.