Richard B. Russell Dam - Saddle Dike
Richard B. Russell Dam - Saddle Dike is an earth dam located in Abbeville County, Georgia, built in 1986. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Richard B. Russell Dam - Saddle Dike
The primary purpose of Richard B. Russell Dam - Saddle Dike 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 Calhoun Falls.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 1,070 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,488,166 acre-feet. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 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 06/23/2021.
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 | Abbeville |
| Nearest City | Calhoun Falls |
| River/Stream | Savannah River |
| Coordinates | 34.02383, -82.58370 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,070 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,488,166 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,488,166 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,026,200 acre-ft |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | USACE - Savannah District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/23/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA01705 |
| Federal ID | GA01705S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |