Dorene Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dorene Lake Dam, located in Polk, Georgia, is a privately owned concrete dam built in 1968 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 15.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 168.2 acre-feet. Situated on Simpson Creek, the dam offers a surface area of 28.5 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.

Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state inspection and jurisdiction, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Dorene Lake Dam is considered a relatively safe structure. While the dam is currently not rated in terms of condition assessment, its last inspection in January 2019 indicated a satisfactory status. With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Dorene Lake Dam is a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to appreciate the beauty of Georgia's natural landscapes.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

15.6

River Or Stream

SIMPSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

28.5

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

2580

Nid Storage

207.1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.