Rooty Creek 20 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rooty Creek 20 is a local government-owned dam located in Putnam, Georgia, specifically in the city of Eatonton.


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Summary

Built in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 1100 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction along Rooty Creek. With a storage capacity of 464 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.66 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area.

Despite its age, Rooty Creek 20 has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam has been inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2016. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 200 feet wide, plays a crucial role in managing water levels during periods of high discharge, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1850 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Rooty Creek 20 to be an essential structure in the region, providing flood risk reduction and water management capabilities. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance through the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation and supporting sustainable water resource management practices.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Rooty Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

1.66

Nid Storage

464

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.