Augusta Diversion Dam
Augusta Diversion Dam is a masonry dam located in Columbia County, Georgia, built in 1857. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Augusta Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of Augusta Diversion Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by City Of Augusta, Georgia (local government). It impounds the Savannah River near Augusta.
The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 1,670 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 190 acres, has a storage capacity of 1,520 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7,173 square miles. Completed in 1857, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/03/2026.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Columbia |
| Nearest City | Augusta |
| River/Stream | Savannah River |
| Coordinates | 33.55430, -82.03780 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,670 ft |
| Year Completed | 1857 (169 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,520 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,520 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 190 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,173 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | City of Augusta, Georgia |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/03/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00174 |
| Federal ID | GA00174 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |