Hartwell Dam, located on the Savannah River in Georgia, serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, flood risk reduction, and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1962 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at 155 feet high and has a total length of 17,852 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 3,438,700 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 55,950 acres. The dam's spillway gates have only been opened four times due to flooding, and the risk assessment for the project characterizes its risk as low, though there is still a potential for dangerous flood waters during extreme storm events.
USACE has implemented various risk management measures to prepare for emergency incidents and ensure the safety and integrity of Hartwell Dam. This includes regularly updating the Emergency Action Plan, conducting emergency exercises with local response teams, and performing regular inspections and maintenance on the dam structure. USACE works closely with local authorities, such as Augusta-Richmond County, during flood events to coordinate spillway releases from downstream dams like Thurmond Dam, which aids in mitigating flooding for downstream populations. Despite a slight chance of high lake levels resulting in embankment breaches, USACE's proactive approach and collaboration with local stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of Hartwell Dam in the face of potential risks.
Overall, Hartwell Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks along the Savannah River. With a focus on proactive risk management and collaboration with local partners, USACE is dedicated to maintaining the safety and functionality of the dam to protect downstream communities and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
17852 |
Dam Height |
155 |
River Or Stream |
SAVANNAH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
55950 |
Hydraulic Height |
199 |
Drainage Area |
2088 |
Nid Storage |
3438700 |
Structural Height |
204 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
204 |
Beaverdam Creek Ab Elberton Ga
|
46cfs |
Rocky River Nr Starr
|
58cfs |
Broad River Above Carlton
|
418cfs |
South Fork Broad River At Carlton
|
87cfs |
Broad River Near Bell
|
906cfs |
Little River Near Mt. Carmel
|
83cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Watsadlers
|
||
Sadlers Creek State Park
|
||
Miltown
|
||
Hart State Park
|
||
Springfield
|
||
Springfield - Hartwell Lake
|