Willis Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upton Lake Dam Long Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Willis Dam, located in Talbot, Georgia, is a private earth dam constructed in 1978 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 515 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and serves an area with a small drainage basin of 0.07 square miles. The dam is situated on Tr- Ossahatchie Creek in the Ossahatchie Environs, providing irrigation and wildlife habitat benefits to the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition assessment for Willis Dam is currently not available. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and can discharge up to 310 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan, it remains a vital resource for water management in the region and contributes to the enhancement of fish and wildlife populations.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Willis Dam to be an intriguing case study, showcasing the importance of small-scale dams in providing multiple benefits to local ecosystems. Its construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflects a commitment to conservation and sustainable water management practices. As efforts to assess and enhance the dam's condition continue, Willis Dam stands as a testament to the crucial role of such structures in supporting biodiversity and water resource sustainability in Georgia and beyond.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
515 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Ossahatchie Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.07 |
Nid Storage |
117 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Upatoi Creek Near Columbus
|
258cfs |
Chattahoochee River At Us 280
|
1990cfs |
Flint River Near Culloden
|
1200cfs |
Uchee Creek Near Fort Mitchell
|
109cfs |
Chattahoochee River At West Point
|
1550cfs |
Yellowjacket Cr At Hammett Rd Blw Hogansville
|
67cfs |
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.
Willis Dam