Smith Pond Tailings Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Smith Pond Tailings Dam in Washington, Georgia, is a privately-owned structure regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam, with a height of 83 feet and a length of 5310 feet, serves a primary purpose that is currently unspecified. With a storage capacity of 3700 acre-feet and a surface area of 73 acres, the dam poses a high hazard potential but was found to be in satisfactory condition during the last inspection in 2017.
Located within the Savannah District, this dam is associated with the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulatory oversight and inspections. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans or inundation maps. The presence of uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates raises concerns about the dam's ability to handle high discharge events, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure in Georgia.
Dam Length |
5310 |
Dam Height |
83 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
73 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
3700 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
83 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
606cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
47cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
835cfs |
Oconee River At Milledgeville
|
521cfs |
Williamson Swamp Creek At Davisboro
|
51cfs |
Oconee River At Dublin
|
988cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Smith Pond Tailings Dam