James Lake Dam dam
James Lake Dam
James Lake Dam, also known as Cole Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Macon, Georgia, near the city of Montezuma. Built in 1959 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this recreational dam stands at a height of 38.2 feet with a hydraulic height of 30.8 feet. It has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area.
Despite being unlisted for its hazard potential, the dam is categorized as low risk with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The last inspection in May 2018 deemed its condition as not rated, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance. Although the dam does not have a state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, it is subject to state jurisdiction and inspection, ensuring its safety for visitors and nearby residents.
With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, James Lake Dam provides a peaceful escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Whether fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, this private gem in Georgia offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of responsible dam management in preserving our water resources.
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 James Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Flint River At Ga 26 | 1,260 cfs | → |
| Turkey Creek At Byromville | 3 cfs | → |
| Muckalee Creek Near Americus | 48 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Culloden | 470 cfs | → |
| Tucsawhatchee Creek Near Hawkinsville | 14 cfs | → |
| Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville | 1,200 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near James Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- General Courtney Hodges Boulevard 2337-2355, Perry
- Haven Way 498, Perry
- Highway 128 5374-5376, Roberta
- Ferry Landing Road Crisp County
Campgrounds
- Whitewater Creek County Park
- Andersonville City Campground
- Georgia Veterans State Park
- Lake Blackshear Campgrounds
Track James 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 James Lake Dam
Where does the data for James 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 James Lake Dam.