Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam dam
Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam
Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam, also known as Lower Haielip Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Rockdale County, Georgia. Built in 1970 for recreational purposes, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The dam spans 525 feet in length and covers an area of 11 acres, holding back Rock Creek and serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The last inspection in September 2018 deemed it to be in good standing, with emergency action plans and risk assessments pending completion. While the dam's function primarily revolves around recreation, its presence contributes to the overall water resource management in the area and provides a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Union Spring Community.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam offers a unique perspective on the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. Its modest size and low risk profile make it a valuable case study for understanding the role of dams in balancing recreational needs with water storage capabilities, all within the context of sustainable management practices. As stakeholders continue to monitor and maintain this dam, it stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of man-made structures and natural ecosystems in the dynamic landscape of Georgia.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South River At Klondike Road | 164 cfs | → |
| Honey Creek At Ga 212 | 12 cfs | → |
| South River At Flakes Mill Road Nr Atlanta | 64 cfs | → |
| Pates Creek At Buster Lewis Rd Near Flippen | 30 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Pleasant Hill Rd | 171 cfs | → |
| Intrenchment Creek Near Atlanta | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Lakeshore Drive Henry County
- Burch Lake Road Fayette County
- Cobb Parkway South Vinings
- West Palisades Vinings
- West Mcintosh Road Spalding County
- Riveredge Lane Northwest Sandy Springs
Campgrounds
- Stone Mountain Campground
- Stone Mountain Park Campground
- Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area
- Indian Springs State Park
- High Falls State Park
- Dobbins Lakeside Military
Fishing spots
- Davidson Mountain Nature Preserve
- Chapel Hill Park
- Lake To-Lani
- Clayton County International Park
- Buena Vista Lake
- Avondale Lake
Track Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam
Where does the data for Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Brushy Knob Ranch Lake Dam.