West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Lake Dam, located in Franklin, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves as a recreational area for water enthusiasts in Heard County.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 24.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5 acres and a drainage area of 81 square miles, West Lake Dam provides a tranquil setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Although West Lake Dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates. While the condition of the dam is labeled as "Not Rated," it undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2019. Despite not being regulated by the state or requiring permits, West Lake Dam remains a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities it offers.

While the designer of West Lake Dam remains unknown, its primary purpose of recreation continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. With its picturesque surroundings and peaceful waters, West Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and utilizing natural resources for recreational purposes in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

339

Dam Height

24.3

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

20.9

Drainage Area

81

Nid Storage

63

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.