Houston Lake Dam, located in Hawkinsville, Georgia, was completed in 1840 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 2441 acre-feet and a normal storage of 1055 acre-feet. Situated on Mossy Creek, the dam has a surface area of 176 acres and a drainage area of 111 square miles.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, Houston Lake Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the community, with its associated structures being well-maintained and meeting safety guidelines.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Houston Lake Dam stands as a historic and essential structure in the region, showcasing the importance of maintaining and regulating dams for both recreational use and hazard mitigation. With its earth core and buttress design, the dam represents a blend of traditional engineering and modern safety standards, ensuring the protection of surrounding areas while offering a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper management and monitoring of dams like Houston Lake become increasingly vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1840 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
MOSSY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
176 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
111 |
Nid Storage |
2441 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville
|
2290cfs |
Tucsawhatchee Creek Near Hawkinsville
|
52cfs |
Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon
|
7cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Macon
|
2310cfs |
Turkey Creek At Byromville
|
7cfs |
Flint River At Ga 26
|
2130cfs |