Dr. Parker Lake Dam dam
Dr. Parker Lake Dam
Dr. Parker Lake Dam, located in Milledgeville, Georgia, is a private-owned structure managed by the USDA NRCS. Built in 1967, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 700 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 149 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is to support fish and wildlife ponds, along with other uses such as fire protection and recreation.
Despite its low hazard potential, Dr. Parker Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a maximum discharge rate of 60 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 105 feet. The dam is situated on Tr- Richland Creek and covers a drainage area of 0.12 square miles, providing essential support for the surrounding ecosystem. As a moderate risk structure, efforts to assess and manage potential risks associated with the dam are ongoing, with a focus on maintaining its integrity and safety for the community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dr. Parker Lake Dam serves as a significant example of how private entities can contribute to conservation efforts and ecosystem management through the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure. With its focus on supporting fish and wildlife habitats, the dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the local environment. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity intensify, structures like Dr. Parker Lake Dam highlight the importance of proactive management and investment in water resources for a sustainable future.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Dr. Parker Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Oconee River Near Penfield | 293 cfs | → |
| Kettle Creek Near Washington | 2 cfs | → |
| Apalachee River Near Bostwick | 55 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Eatonton | 38 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Washington | 9 cfs | → |
| Middle Oconee River Near Athens | 113 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dr. Parker Lake Dam.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Dr. Parker Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Dr. Parker Lake Dam
Where does the data for Dr. Parker Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Dr. Parker Lake Dam.