J. Strom Thurmond Dam
J. Strom Thurmond Dam is a concrete dam located in McCormick County, Georgia, built in 1954. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About J. Strom Thurmond Dam
The primary purpose of J. Strom Thurmond 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 Usace - Savannah District (federal). It impounds the Savannah River near Augusta.
The dam stands 200 feet tall and stretches 5,680 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 71,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,820,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6,144 square miles. Completed in 1954, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/05/2024.
At 200 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | McCormick |
| Nearest City | Augusta |
| River/Stream | Savannah River |
| Coordinates | 33.66118, -82.19966 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 200 ft |
| Dam Height | 124 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,680 ft |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,820,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,820,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,510,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 71,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,144 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,055,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | USACE - Savannah District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/05/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA01701 |
| Federal ID | GA01701 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |