Gay Lake Dam dam
Gay Lake Dam
Gay Lake Dam in Jenkins, Georgia, stands as a testament to the conservation efforts of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, who designed the earth dam in 1965 for recreational purposes. Situated in the Johnson Chapel Environs, the dam boasts a height of 14 feet and a length of 390 feet, creating a serene surface area of 13 acres in the midst of a drainage area spanning 765 acres. With a maximum storage capacity of 66 acre-feet, the dam serves as a low-hazard structure with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, providing a haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Despite its age, Gay Lake Dam continues to maintain a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a level of stability and safety for the surrounding community. With no state regulation or inspection, the dam relies on private ownership for its upkeep and maintenance. While the condition assessment remains unrated, the dam's low hazard potential and uncontrolled spillway suggest a relatively stable structure that contributes to the recreational and ecological landscape of the area. As an integral part of the Charleston District's water management system, Gay Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty in the heart of Georgia's countryside.
For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Gay Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in earth dam construction and recreational infrastructure. With its origins dating back to the mid-20th century and its continued relevance in modern water management practices, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing human needs with environmental conservation. As enthusiasts explore the dam's history, design, and purpose, they gain valuable insights into the intricate relationship between water resources, climate dynamics, and community resilience. Whether admiring the dam's serene surface area or pondering its risk assessment rating, visitors to Gay Lake Dam are sure to find a rich tapestry of ecological, engineering, and recreational significance waiting to be uncovered.
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 Gay Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ogeechee River At Rocky Ford Rd | 390 cfs | → |
| Ogeechee River At Midville | 186 cfs | → |
| Beaverdam Creek Near Sardis | 3 cfs | → |
| Brier Creek At Millhaven | 168 cfs | → |
| Brier Creek Near Waynesboro | 92 cfs | → |
| Canoochee River Near Claxton | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Gay Lake Dam.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Gay 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 Gay Lake Dam
Where does the data for Gay 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 Gay Lake Dam.