Upper Whittimore Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Whittimore, located in Keysville, Georgia, is a Federal-owned recreational dam on Sandy Run Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1942 by the US Army, this Earth dam stands at 8 feet tall and spans 285 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres, Upper Whittimore is primarily used for fish and wildlife pond management as well as recreational activities. Despite being a low hazard potential structure, it underwent structural modifications in 1960 to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

The dam, managed by the US Army, has not been inspected since March 2021, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 4 years. While the condition assessment is not available, the risk assessment indicates a high risk level (2). Emergency preparedness measures, including an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, are not currently in place. Despite these challenges, Upper Whittimore remains a key resource for the local community, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and wildlife conservation efforts along Sandy Run Creek.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the sustainability and safety of dams like Upper Whittimore, ongoing risk management measures and regular inspections will be essential to ensure the long-term viability of this recreational facility. Collaboration between federal agencies, local stakeholders, and the community will be crucial in maintaining the balance between recreational use and environmental conservation at Upper Whittimore and similar dam structures across the country.

Years Modified

1960 - Structural

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Sandy Run Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.