Williamson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Williamson Lake Dam, located in Lumpkin, Georgia, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1951 by the Stewart Company, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.3 feet with a hydraulic height of 16.7 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 138.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 88.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 13.3 acres.

Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state regulations and inspections. Classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated. The last inspection was conducted in September 2019, with a scheduled frequency of every 5 years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status is unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Williamson Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure in Georgia. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s and its current risk assessment profile, the dam offers insights into the management and maintenance of such essential infrastructure. Further research and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable information for understanding the intersection of water resources, recreation, and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

19.3

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.3

Hydraulic Height

16.7

Nid Storage

138.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.