Mclees Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tanglewood Lake Dam Willis Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mclees Lake Dam, located in Dudley, Georgia, was completed in 1973 and is primarily used for recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at 42 feet high and spans 380 feet in length, creating a surface area of 17 acres and a storage capacity of 473 acre-feet. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, and it is regulated by the state but not by the federal government.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Mclees Lake Dam has not been assigned a condition assessment and is currently listed as "Not Rated." The last inspection of the dam took place in November 2004, with inspections occurring every five years. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are all currently listed as unknown, indicating potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mclees Lake Dam represents an opportunity to explore the intersection of dam infrastructure, recreational use, and risk management in the context of Georgia's water resources.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
830 |
Nid Storage |
473 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1070cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
895cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
54cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
614cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville
|
2110cfs |
Oconee River Near Mount Vernon
|
1340cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mclees Lake Dam