Sharpley Lake Dam, located in Candler County, Georgia, is a privately owned structure primarily serving the purposes of fire protection and creating a small fish pond. This earthen dam, with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, was completed with a dam length of 680 feet and a storage capacity of 199 acre-feet. The dam, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, has not been inspected since May 2016.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Sharpley Lake Dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam poses a low hazard potential but is considered to have a moderate risk level. Although the condition of the dam has not been rated, its purpose of fire protection and small fish pond management makes it an essential resource for the local community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and assess the risk associated with dams like Sharpley Lake Dam to ensure their continued safety and functionality for the environment and surrounding areas.