Lake Matthews Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Matthews Dam, located in Gwinnett, Georgia, was completed in 1955 and stands at a height of 23 feet with a length of 345 feet.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 47 acres and a storage capacity of 272 acre-feet. It is situated on Poole Creek and is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its satisfactory condition.

The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, posing a high hazard potential due to its location and design. Despite this, the risk assessment is moderate, with appropriate risk management measures in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, emphasizing the need for proper monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential hazards. The surrounding area of Lake Matthews Dam in Five Forks Community provides a scenic recreational space for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.

Overall, Lake Matthews Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, offering both recreational opportunities and essential flood control measures. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam represents a critical component of Georgia's water infrastructure system, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

POOLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Drainage Area

1250

Nid Storage

272

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.