Chelton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chelton Lake Dam, also known as Kennerly's Wash Hole, is a private dam located in Gwinnett, Georgia, and completed in 1957 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a stock or small fish pond. It is an earth dam with a buttress core type and stands at a height of 24 feet, with a structural height of 20 feet and a length of 350 feet.

With a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet, Chelton Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is rated as having a moderate risk level. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with the last inspection conducted in June 2016. Despite not being state regulated, the dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Chelton Lake Dam an intriguing structure due to its unique design and multiple purposes. Located in a picturesque area in McElroys Mill, Georgia, the dam provides essential services while maintaining a low hazard potential. Its history, design, and risk assessment make it a noteworthy site for those interested in water resource management and climate-related infrastructure.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

113

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.