Richard B. Russell Dam
SAVANNAH RIVER·
Elbert, Georgia·
Built 1986·
Concrete·
136 ft tall
High Hazard
Hydroelectric
Other
Fish And Wildlife Pond
Recreation
Water Supply
Flood Risk Reduction
Federal Government
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 136 ft (taller than 99.9% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 4,524 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.5M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26,653 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,890 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 801,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| NID ID | GA01705 |
Safety Information
High Hazard
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails
Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 23, 2021
State Regulated: No
Ownership
USACE - Savannah District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of Richard B. Russell Dam?
Richard B. Russell Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Who owns Richard B. Russell Dam?
Richard B. Russell Dam is owned by USACE - Savannah District (Federal Government).
When was Richard B. Russell Dam last inspected?
Richard B. Russell Dam was last inspected on June 23, 2021.
When was Richard B. Russell Dam built?
Richard B. Russell Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 years old.
Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.