Sterling On The Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Gainesville, Georgia, Sterling On The Lake Dam #1, also known as Sterling On The Lake Lower Dam, is a privately-owned earth dam that was completed in 1955.


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Summary

The dam serves a primary purpose of recreation and is situated on Lollis Creek, with a drainage area of 2,470 acres. With a height of 27 feet and a length of 805 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 452 acre-feet and a surface area of 41 acres.

The dam is regulated by the Georgia-SAFE DAMS Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed satisfactory. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3, indicating that some risk management measures may be needed in the future to mitigate potential hazards.

Overall, Sterling On The Lake Dam #1 is an important part of the local water resource management infrastructure, providing both recreational opportunities and flood control benefits. With its strategic location and solid construction, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and well-being of the surrounding community in Hall County, Georgia.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

805

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Lollis Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Drainage Area

2470

Nid Storage

452

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.