Sinclair
Sinclair is a gravity dam located in Baldwin County, Georgia, built in 1953. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sinclair
The primary purpose of Sinclair 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 Georgia Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Oconee near Milledgeville.
The dam stands 105 feet tall and stretches 2,988 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15,330 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 490,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,910 square miles. Completed in 1953, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 03/08/2022.
At 105 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Georgia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Baldwin |
| Nearest City | Milledgeville |
| River/Stream | Oconee |
| Coordinates | 33.14050, -83.20180 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 105 ft |
| Dam Height | 104 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,988 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 490,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 490,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 333,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15,330 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,910 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 479,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/08/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00836 |
| Federal ID | GA00836 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |