Norman Bell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bell Lake Dam Luck Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Norman Bell is a privately owned earth dam located in Adrian, Georgia, on the Tr- Ohoopee River.
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Summary
Built in 1940 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam serves primarily as a fish and wildlife pond, with additional recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 12 feet and a length of 485 feet, Norman Bell has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.05 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Norman Bell poses a moderate risk level due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 70 cubic feet per second. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of any state regulatory agency, and its last inspection date and condition assessment are currently unavailable.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and functionality of dams will find Norman Bell an intriguing case study. With its unique design, primary purpose for fish and wildlife conservation, and moderate risk level, this privately owned structure poses both challenges and opportunities for future management and maintenance efforts. Overall, Norman Bell stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in rural communities like Adrian, Georgia.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
485 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Ohoopee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
895cfs |
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1070cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
54cfs |
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
56cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
614cfs |
Ogeechee River At Midville
|
674cfs |
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.
Norman Bell