J. Strom Thurmond Dam
Key Takeaway
J. Strom Thurmond Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 124 ft (taller than 99.8% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 5,680 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 3.8M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 71,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,144 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,055,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | GA01701 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Savannah District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam is owned by USACE - Savannah District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was J. Strom Thurmond Dam built?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam has a dam height of 124 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was J. Strom Thurmond Dam last inspected?
J. Strom Thurmond Dam was last inspected on June 5, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.