Ward's Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ward's Lake Dam, located in Lamar, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 26.4 feet and a length of 585 feet, impounds Big Towaliga Creek, creating a surface area of 12 acres and a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ward's Lake Dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every five years, with the last inspection conducted in September 2014. With a risk management approach in place and a focus on maintaining safety, the dam ensures the protection of the surrounding area and downstream communities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ward's Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study in recreational dam management and risk assessment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
26.4 |
River Or Stream |
BIG TOWALIGA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
140 |
Nid Storage |
187 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek At Shoal Creek Rd
|
17cfs |
Flint River Near Griffin
|
341cfs |
Flint River Near Culloden
|
1240cfs |
Line Creek Near Senoia
|
24cfs |
Ocmulgee River Near Jackson
|
1600cfs |
Flint River Near Lovejoy
|
95cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ward's Lake Dam