Thomas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thomas Lake Dam, located in Oconee, Georgia, is a private dam with a height of 36 feet and a length of 600 feet.


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Summary

This buttress dam holds a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 96 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Despite being privately owned, Thomas Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspections. The last inspection took place in June 2004, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and the dam's risk management measures are unspecified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Thomas Lake Dam to be an interesting case study in private dam management and risk assessment. The dam's design and storage capacity, combined with its lack of state permitting and enforcement, highlight the complexities of balancing water resource development with safety and regulatory compliance. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Thomas Lake Dam becomes increasingly important for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

36

Nid Storage

162

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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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.