Lewis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lewis Lake Dam, located in Bartow, Georgia, was completed in 1955 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, standing at 16 feet tall and stretching 570 feet in length, impounds Limestone Creek to create a surface area of 170 acres. With a normal storage capacity of 680 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1775 acre-feet, the dam provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.

Managed by a private owner, Lewis Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction and undergoes regular inspections, with the last recorded in November 1997. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates hint at a simpler design, without the need for complex water control structures. While the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are unspecified, its role in providing recreational opportunities underscores the importance of maintaining its safety and integrity for the benefit of both the environment and visitors alike.

Situated within the Charleston District, Lewis Lake Dam is a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of Washington County. Despite its unknown designer and lack of federal regulation, the dam continues to stand as a vital piece of infrastructure, offering a place for locals and tourists to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Georgia's water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Lewis Lake Dam become increasingly crucial to ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

LIMESTONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

170

Drainage Area

16000

Nid Storage

1775

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.