Foster Lake Dam dam
Foster Lake Dam
Foster Lake Dam in Lagrange, Georgia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation. Built in 1948 by designer John Holiday, this Earth dam stands at a height of 19.6 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 282 feet, is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.
Although Foster Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and does not have a designated agency for inspection or enforcement, it serves as an important source of water storage in the region. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates contribute to its recreational purpose, providing a surface area of 5.5 acres for various water activities. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," its risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unknown.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Foster Lake Dam offers a fascinating example of a privately owned recreational dam in Georgia. Its historical significance, design characteristics, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the intersection of water management, environmental conservation, and public safety in the region. As a key feature in the local landscape, Foster Lake Dam invites further exploration and study for those interested in understanding the dynamics of dam infrastructure and its impact on surrounding communities.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Foster Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowjacket Cr At Hammett Rd Blw Hogansville | 20 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Us 27 | 1,190 cfs | → |
| New River At Ga 100 | 31 cfs | → |
| Hillabahatchee Creek At Thaxton Rd | 6 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At West Point | 2,950 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Whitesburg | 1,050 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Foster Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Troup County
- Mooty Bridge Road Lagrange
- Pyne Road Park Mega Ramp
- Abbottsford Road Troup County
- Westpoint Road West Point
- County Road 390 Chambers County
Campgrounds
Track Foster Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Foster Lake Dam
Where does the data for Foster Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Foster Lake Dam.