George H Sparks Reservoir Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lithia Springs, Georgia, the George H Sparks Reservoir Dam No.


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Summary

1, also known as Sweetwater Creek State Park Lake Dam, is a rockfill dam completed in 1962 for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 39.6 feet with a length of 1143 feet, this dam holds a storage capacity of 4347 acre-feet, providing a serene surface area of 222 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the local government, this dam is deemed to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. Despite not being state regulated, it undergoes regular inspections with the last one conducted in May 2018, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the George H Sparks Reservoir Dam No. 1 presents an intriguing case study of a dam designed primarily for recreational purposes. Its historical significance, engineering features, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the intersection of water management and public recreation in the state of Georgia.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1143

Dam Height

39.6

River Or Stream

Name unknown

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

222

Drainage Area

3000

Nid Storage

4347

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.