Boncombe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Boncombe Lake Dam, located in Taliaferro County, Georgia, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation as well as recreational activities.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and stretches 450 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of Lick Creek to Southfork Little River.

Despite its low hazard potential, Boncombe Lake Dam is subject to moderate risk and has not undergone any recent condition assessments. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 40 cubic feet per second. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unclear, its role in supporting local ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities highlights its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics of Boncombe Lake Dam make it a noteworthy structure to study and appreciate. Its impact on the surrounding environment, coupled with its historical significance and ongoing role in fostering wildlife habitats and recreational engagement, underscore the importance of sustainable dam management practices. By monitoring and maintaining infrastructure like Boncombe Lake Dam, we can ensure the continued balance between human needs and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Lick Creek To Southfork L Rive

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

82

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.