Richards Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bloodworth Lake Dam Perfect Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Richards Lake Dam, located in the Elko Environs of Houston, Georgia, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and spans 450 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. The dam's primary source agency is the state of Georgia, and it is privately owned and maintained.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Richards Lake Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition with a regular inspection frequency of every five years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a drainage area of 330 acres and a surface area of 11 acres. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the dam is under state jurisdiction and undergoes periodic inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Richards Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Its presence not only provides essential services for fire protection and wildlife management but also raises questions about the management and regulation of private dams in the state of Georgia. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the condition and maintenance of dams like Richards Lake Dam is crucial for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
330 |
Nid Storage |
124 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tucsawhatchee Creek Near Hawkinsville
|
39cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville
|
2570cfs |
Turkey Creek At Byromville
|
10cfs |
Flint River At Ga 26
|
2200cfs |
Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon
|
6cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Macon
|
2030cfs |
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.
Richards Lake Dam