Atlanta Gas Light Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Atlanta Gas Light Lake Dam, located in Cherokee, Georgia, was completed in 1925 and serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 49 feet high and stretching 425 feet in length, has a storage capacity of 402 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 23 acres. With a drainage area of 775 acres, the dam has a maximum discharge of 402 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a private entity, Atlanta Gas Light Lake Dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition. In the event of an emergency, the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlets gates. Despite its moderate risk assessment, risk management measures and guidelines for emergency action plans are not specified for this dam.

This Earth-type dam, with a buttress core type, holds a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water infrastructure and environmental conservation would find Atlanta Gas Light Lake Dam a significant structure to monitor and study in the context of sustainable water resource management and climate change adaptation.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Drainage Area

775

Nid Storage

402

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

49
       
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.