Cardinal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cardinal Lake Dam, located in Gwinnett, Georgia, was completed in 1959 and serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, designed by SCS, stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 435 feet, creating a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet. The primary dam type is earth with a buttress core, making it a sturdy and reliable construction.

Despite being privately owned, Cardinal Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and stability. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. While it poses a moderate risk, measures for risk management are not specified in the available data. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating that water flow is not actively regulated, and its emergency action plan status and inundation maps are not readily available.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cardinal Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. With its rich history, unique design features, and role in recreational activities, the dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. Further exploration of its risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight could provide valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities in water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

KNOX BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Nid Storage

380

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.