Ray Dodson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ray Dodson, a private fish and wildlife pond located in Milledgeville, Georgia, stands as a testament to conservation efforts by the USDA NRCS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam spans 383 feet in length and reaches a height of 21 feet, providing a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Ray Dodson is to support fish and wildlife habitats, with additional benefits for fire protection, irrigation, and stock pond usage.

Despite its low hazard potential, Ray Dodson poses a moderate risk due to its location on Dance Branch and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. The spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Ray Dodson as a vital ecosystem component, providing essential habitats for local flora and fauna. Its construction and maintenance by the Natural Resources Conservation Service showcase the collaborative efforts to balance human needs with environmental conservation in Georgia's Putnam County.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

383

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Dance Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

61

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.