Krystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Krystal Lake Dam, located in Chickamauga, Georgia, was completed in 1961 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam has an earth primary structure with a buttress core type, standing at a height of 11.2 feet with a hydraulic height of 11.4 feet. The dam's storage capacity is 187 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 119.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 26.6 acres.

Managed by a private owner, Krystal Lake Dam is not regulated by the state but undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates add to its unique design, providing an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in dam infrastructure and management practices.

Despite its relatively small size, Krystal Lake Dam offers a valuable example of how private ownership and recreational purposes can intersect with water resource management. The dam's location in Walker County, Georgia, under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District, highlights the importance of collaboration between various agencies and stakeholders in maintaining the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure like dams in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

573

Dam Height

11.2

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26.6

Hydraulic Height

11.4

Drainage Area

163

Nid Storage

187

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.