Merritt Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merritt Lake Dam, located in Friendship, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 17 feet, with a hydraulic height of 15 feet.


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Summary

This private dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 15 acres and a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures.

The dam, constructed with earth and buttress core types, features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The structure has not been inspected since August 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its risk assessment suggests moderate risk, prompting the need for potential risk management measures to be implemented in the future. With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, Merritt Lake Dam serves as a valuable resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates in the Crawford County area.

As a part of the Mobile District in Georgia, Merritt Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction but is not regulated by state agencies. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam provides a serene setting for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Although its risk level is moderate, the dam's functionality and aesthetic appeal make it a notable feature in the local landscape, attracting visitors and water resource enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

128

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.