Dodson Lake Dam dam
Dodson Lake Dam
Dodson Lake Dam, located in Wilkes, Georgia, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose that is not specified. This earth dam, with a height of 32 feet and a length of 250 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet and a normal storage of 64 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a certain level of risk associated with its operation.
Although the dam is not regulated by the state, it undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in September 2016. The inspection frequency is set at five years, ensuring that the structure is monitored for any potential issues or hazards. Dodson Lake Dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite the lack of a current condition assessment rating, the dam's risk management measures are not clearly defined, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness in case of emergencies.
Dodson Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, as it highlights the importance of monitoring and assessing the structural integrity of dams, especially in areas with moderate risk assessments. The dam's location in Wilkes, Georgia, and its private ownership add another layer of complexity to its management and regulation. As the climate continues to change, understanding and addressing the potential risks associated with structures like Dodson Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring the safety and security of communities and ecosystems downstream.
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 Dodson Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Broad River Near Bell | 408 cfs | → |
| Kettle Creek Near Washington | 2 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Washington | 10 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Mt. Carmel | 41 cfs | → |
| South Fork Broad River At Carlton | 87 cfs | → |
| Broad River Above Carlton | 338 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dodson Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Gills Point Road Lincoln County
- State Road S-33-366, Mccormick
- Savannah Scenic Way South Lincoln County
- State Road S-33-168, Mount Carmel
- Russell Pointe Drive 3845, Elberton
- Soap Creek Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Broad River - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Hesters Ferry - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Bobby Brown State Park
- Mount Carmel - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Leroys Ferry - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Fishing spots
- Richard B Russell Lake
- Cliatt Creek
- Cherokee Creek
- Ah Stephens State Park
- Parsons Mountain Lake
- J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir
Track Dodson 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 Dodson Lake Dam
Where does the data for Dodson 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 Dodson Lake Dam.