Thomas Lake Dam, located in Oconee, Georgia, is a private dam with a height of 36 feet and a length of 600 feet.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
712cfs |
Apalachee River Near Bostwick
|
172cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Athens
|
312cfs |
North Oconee River At College St
|
197cfs |
Middle Oconee River Near Arcade
|
269cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |