Sinclair

Oconee· Baldwin, Georgia· Built 1953· Gravity· 104 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Sinclair is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 104 ft (taller than 99.5% in GA)
Dam Length2,988 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage490.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage333.0K acre-ft
Surface Area15,330 acres
Drainage Area2,910 sq mi
Max Discharge479,000 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDGA00836

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 8, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Georgia Power Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sinclair?

Sinclair 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 Sinclair?

Sinclair is owned by Georgia Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sinclair built?

Sinclair was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Sinclair?

Sinclair serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sinclair?

Sinclair has a dam height of 104 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 Sinclair last inspected?

Sinclair was last inspected on March 8, 2022. 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.