Lower Guthrie Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Guthrie Lake Dam in Jackson, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 34 feet tall and stretching 800 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 1052 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 940 acre-feet and a surface area of 55 acres. The dam is regulated by the state and undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for further assessment and potentially the development of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no modifications reported since its completion. The risk assessment for Lower Guthrie Lake Dam is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Guthrie Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of a privately owned recreational structure in Georgia. With its unique design and moderate risk assessment, this dam presents an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on enhancing its safety and sustainability for future generations. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and improving dams like Lower Guthrie Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding our environment and communities.

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

34

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Nid Storage

1052

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.