Fausett Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fausett Lake Dam, located in Dawsonville, Georgia, is a state-owned structure built in 1940 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 31 feet and stretching across 1100 feet, impounds the waters of Amicalola Creek to create Fausett Lake. With a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 576 acre-feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for water-based activities and outdoor enjoyment in the area.

Despite being categorized as low hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been inspected since March 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, there are limited details available on its structural integrity and maintenance history. The surrounding area, with a drainage area of 5352 acres, relies on Fausett Lake Dam for both recreational and water resource management purposes.

As a significant feature in the region's water resource landscape, Fausett Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human engineering and natural environments. Enthusiasts interested in climate change and water management may find the dam's history, design, and current condition to be a compelling case study in balancing recreational benefits with safety and environmental considerations.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

AMICALOLA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Drainage Area

5352

Nid Storage

576

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.