Cedar Hill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Hill Lake Dam, also known as Nelson Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Gordon, Georgia, along the Robins Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1945 by designer J. H. Reeve, this picturesque dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 355 feet in length, creating a serene lake that covers a surface area of 33 acres. With a primary purpose of recreation, Cedar Hill Lake Dam provides a tranquil setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.

The dam's capacity includes a storage volume of 542 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 190 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding community. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Cedar Hill Lake Dam is currently in fair condition as of its last assessment in 2016. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it is regulated and inspected by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, ensuring its continued safety and functionality.

For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Cedar Hill Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and state regulation. Its strategic location in Liberty Cumberland Church, within the Nashville District, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both recreational and safety purposes. As the dam continues to be a valuable asset for the community, ongoing assessments and risk management measures will be essential to safeguarding its integrity for years to come.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

355

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

ROBINS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Drainage Area

1100

Nid Storage

542

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.