Benson Lake Dam dam
Benson Lake Dam
Located in Talbot County, Georgia, Benson Lake Dam is a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 18.2 feet with a hydraulic height of 16.6 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 115.8 acre-feet and covers an impressive surface area of 12.6 acres. Despite being unlisted for drainage area, the dam's spillway type is noted as uncontrolled, showcasing its unique design elements.
The dam, situated in the city of Geneva, is overseen by state jurisdiction and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2017. Its hazard potential is classified as low, and while the condition assessment is currently unrated, its risk assessment falls under the moderate category. With its tranquil surroundings and purposeful design, Benson Lake Dam offers a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a recreational oasis in the heart of Georgia.
For those interested in exploring the intersection of water management and environmental conservation, Benson Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study in private dam ownership. Its unique design features, coupled with its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area. As a recreational haven nestled in the serene landscapes of Talbot County, Benson Lake Dam serves as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human recreation and natural ecosystems.
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 Benson Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Upatoi Creek Near Columbus | 165 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Us 280 | 1,990 cfs | → |
| Flint River Near Culloden | 601 cfs | → |
| Uchee Creek Near Fort Mitchell | 83 cfs | → |
| Hannahatchee Creek At Union | 31 cfs | → |
| Kinchafoonee Creek At Preston | 50 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Benson Lake Dam.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Benson 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 Benson Lake Dam
Where does the data for Benson 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 Benson Lake Dam.