Sylvan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sylvan Lake Dam, located in Kathleen, Georgia, was completed in 1964 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private dam, standing at a height of 12.2 feet and with a length of 450 feet, impounds Bear Branch and has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The dam, constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and features an uncontrolled spillway.

Despite being designated as having a low hazard potential, Sylvan Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been inspected since January 2018, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The condition of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated," and there are no emergency action plans in place. While the risk management measures and inundation maps are not prepared, the dam is considered to have a moderate level of risk.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sylvan Lake Dam an intriguing structure with its recreational purpose and unique design features. The dam, situated in Houston County, Georgia, stands as an essential component of the local landscape, providing not only recreational opportunities but also a source of water storage for the surrounding area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment suggests the need for continued monitoring and potential improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

12.2

River Or Stream

BEAR BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

1050

Nid Storage

105

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.