Smithsonia Farms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smithsonia Farms Lake Dam in Oglethorpe, Georgia, is a private-owned dam designed by J.L.


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Summary

Mooney with a buttress core type and a height of 22 feet. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and serves a primary purpose that is not specified in the data. The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3.

Located in the Savannah District, the Smithsonia Farms Lake Dam has not been state-regulated, permitted, or funded by any federal agency. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its last inspection was conducted in August 2016 with a frequency of every 5 years. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, posing a moderate risk that requires further risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and water resources.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Smithsonia Farms Lake Dam an intriguing subject for further study, given its unique design features, moderate risk assessment, and lack of state regulations. The dam's location in Oglethorpe, Georgia, makes it a valuable asset to the local community, providing water storage and flood control capabilities. With an emphasis on safety and risk management, ongoing inspections and assessments are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the dam and protecting the surrounding environment from potential hazards.

Dam Length

306

Dam Height

22

Surface Area

14

Nid Storage

130

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
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