Lake Oglethorpe Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Oglethorpe Dam is classified as low hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 40 ft (taller than 91.5% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 528 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 62 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,200 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | GA00416 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Lake Oglethorpe, Inc.
Private
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Low Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Oglethorpe Dam?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Oglethorpe Dam?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam is owned by Lake Oglethorpe, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Oglethorpe Dam built?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Lake Oglethorpe Dam?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Oglethorpe Dam?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Lake Oglethorpe Dam last inspected?
Lake Oglethorpe Dam was last inspected on August 16, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.