S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam

INDIAN CREEK· Henry, Georgia· Built 1983· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 34 ft (taller than 85% in GA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage975 acre-ft
Surface Area150 acres
Drainage Area11,520 sq mi
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
NID IDGA04630

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 1, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

Henry County Water & Sewage Authority

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir 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 S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam is owned by Henry County Water & Sewage Authority (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam built?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 34 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 S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam last inspected?

S. Howell Gardner Reservoir Dam was last inspected on March 1, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.