Bluffs Lake Dam dam
Bluffs Lake Dam
Bluffs Lake Dam, located in Wayne County, Georgia, is a private-owned structure that spans the Altamaha River. Standing at a height of 30 feet and with a length of 4000 feet, this earth-type dam provides a storage capacity of 882 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 506 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but it is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Bluffs Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition. The last inspection in April 2016 deemed it in good standing, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam poses a moderate risk, the lack of a current condition assessment and emergency action plan raises concerns about its ability to withstand potential hazards or emergencies effectively.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bluffs Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. With its unique design features and location along the Altamaha River, this structure serves as a vital component of Georgia's water infrastructure. However, the lack of recent assessments and emergency preparedness highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's continued safety and resilience against potential risks and challenges in the future.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bluffs Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Altamaha River At Doctortown | 5,370 cfs | → |
| Little Satilla River Near Offerman | 0 cfs | → |
| Ohoopee River Near Reidsville | 47 cfs | → |
| Altamaha River Near Baxley | 4,410 cfs | → |
| Peacock Creek At Mcintosh | 4 cfs | → |
| Canoochee River Near Claxton | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bluffs Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Arnold River Road 599, Jesup
- Pig Farm Landing
- Cypress Street Wayne County
- Getaway Lane, Surrency
- Landing Road 438, Baxley
- Lesa Street Hinesville
Campgrounds
- Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park
- Holbrook Pond Military - Fort Stewart
- Holbrook Pond Campground
- Falling Rocks County Park
- Barrington County Park
Track Bluffs Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bluffs Lake Dam
Where does the data for Bluffs Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bluffs Lake Dam.