Tara Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tara Lake Dam, also known as Treasure Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Villa Rica, Georgia.


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Summary

Built in 1972 by McGill-Grogan & Associates, this recreational structure spans 1,854 feet and stands at a height of 101.4 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 8,190 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 260 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its picturesque setting along Ayer Creek, Tara Lake Dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment during its last inspection in January 2016. This raises concerns about the safety and stability of the structure, prompting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures. With its location in Carroll County, Georgia, the dam is regulated by the GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tara Lake Dam presents both a recreational opportunity and a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining and monitoring dam infrastructure. As debates over dam safety and maintenance continue to be at the forefront of environmental discussions, the case of Tara Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that proper management and oversight play in ensuring the safety of these structures and the communities they serve.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1854

Dam Height

101.4

River Or Stream

Ayer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

260

Drainage Area

2489

Nid Storage

12885

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

101
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.