York Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kimoto Lake Dam T. P. Hunt
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
York Lake Dam, located in Polk County, Georgia, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core type stores a maximum of 235 acre-feet of water. However, its normal storage capacity is 129 acre-feet with a surface area of 18.4 acres.
Despite its recreational function, York Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of its last inspection in January 2016. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Safe Dams Program and is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, there are no emergency action plans in place, raising concerns about the dam's safety in the event of a breach.
Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks a detailed completion date, its current condition and hazard potential highlight the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the structure and the surrounding community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by private dam owners like those overseeing York Lake Dam in managing and mitigating potential risks associated with dam failures.
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.5 |
Nid Storage |
235 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar Creek At Ga Ave At Cedartown
|
5cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Cedartown
|
90cfs |
Coosa River Near Rome
|
3930cfs |
Terrapin Creek At Ellisville Al
|
126cfs |
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa
|
107cfs |
Etowah River At Ga 1 Loop
|
2150cfs |
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.
York Lake Dam