Palmer Lake Dam dam
Palmer Lake Dam
Palmer Lake Dam, located in Little River (Environs), Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes. Constructed in 1965, this 18-foot tall dam spans 380 feet and has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. Despite being unlisted under state regulation, the dam poses a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or drainage area. While its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated", the dam is structurally sound and has not required modifications since its construction. With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Palmer Lake Dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Wilkes County area.
Although lacking in official state oversight, the dam's relatively low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment suggest that it remains a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors. As a private entity, the dam operates without state regulation, inspection, or enforcement. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and limited drainage area, Palmer Lake Dam continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy its serene surroundings and recreational activities.
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 Palmer Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kettle Creek Near Washington | 3 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Washington | 13 cfs | → |
| Broad River Near Bell | 504 cfs | → |
| South Fork Broad River At Carlton | 87 cfs | → |
| Oconee River Near Penfield | 365 cfs | → |
| Broad River Above Carlton | 404 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Palmer Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Mcduffie County
- Thomson Highway Lincolnton
- Gills Point Road Lincoln County
- Soap Creek Boat Ramp
- Savannah Scenic Way South Lincoln County
- State Road S-33-366, Mccormick
Campgrounds
- Equestrian Camping
- Pioneer Camping Area
- Rv/Tent Camping
- A.H. Stephens State Park
- Big Hart - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Raysville - Strom Thurmond Lake
Fishing spots
Track Palmer 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 Palmer Lake Dam
Where does the data for Palmer 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 Palmer Lake Dam.