Bear Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Toombs Lake Dam Redcliff Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Bear Lake Dam, located in Milledgeville, Georgia, is a private structure managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 400 feet in length, with a primary purpose of serving as a fish and wildlife pond. With a storage capacity of 194 acre-feet, the dam is designed to provide fire protection, stock water, and recreational opportunities while also supporting local wildlife habitats.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 75 feet, is uncontrolled and has a maximum discharge capacity of 36 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Bear Lake Dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified. With its location on the Tr-Oconee River and its importance for local wildlife and recreational activities, Bear Lake Dam remains a significant water resource feature in Greene County, Georgia.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation will find Bear Lake Dam to be a valuable asset in the region, providing essential support for fish and wildlife habitats while offering recreational opportunities for the community. As a privately owned structure with limited regulatory oversight, the dam's maintenance and risk management are crucial to ensuring its continued safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing monitoring and emergency preparedness efforts are essential to safeguarding the dam and surrounding areas from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Oconee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
194 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
527cfs |
Apalachee River Near Bostwick
|
115cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
229cfs |
North Oconee River At College St
|
121cfs |
Kettle Creek Near Washington
|
6cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
|
198cfs |
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.
Bear Lake Dam