Paul Ponder Irrigation Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Grady, Georgia, the Paul Ponder Irrigation Pond Dam is a private earth dam designed by USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 26 feet with a structural height of 25 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 80 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam has not been rated for its condition but is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a surface area of 8 acres and a length of 640 feet. While it is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting, it falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to inspections. Despite its uncontrolled spillway, the Paul Ponder Irrigation Pond Dam presents a low hazard potential and is surrounded by a moderate level of risk, making it a crucial infrastructure for irrigation purposes in the region.
With its strategic location in Cairo, Georgia, this dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the area, providing necessary irrigation for agriculture. Managed by a private entity, the dam's design and construction were overseen by USDA NRCS, ensuring its efficiency and effectiveness in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability, structures like the Paul Ponder Irrigation Pond Dam play a crucial role in sustainable water management and climate resiliency efforts in the region.
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Paul Ponder Irrigation Pond Dam