Flood Risk Management

Sardis Lake has a maximum storage capacity of 1,512,000 acre feet of water.  During the fall and winter months the lake is gradually drawn down to a "conservation pool" of 9800 acres.  This allows for storage of spring rains from the 1545 square mile drainage area above the dam.  Sardis Lake has performed its flood control mission admirably well.  Since it became operational, the dam's overflow spillway has only been placed into operation during the flood years of 1973, 1983 and 1991.  The lake's normal "recreation pool" is 32,500 acres.  Many visitors to Sardis Lake do not know of the project's role in flood control.  To them, Sardis Lake is a place to play.  Annual visitation tops 4.5 million people.  The lake is popular with anglers and has a reputation for its abundant bass and crafty crappie.  Other recreation activities include hunting, camping, boating, skiing, swimming and picnicking.