Kemp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kemp Lake Dam in Jonesboro, Georgia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 22.2 feet and a hydraulic height of 17.8 feet, holds a normal storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a total storage of 140 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an unknown year, spans 283 feet in length and overlooks a surface area of 9 acres, with a drainage area of 313 square miles.

Despite being unregulated and uninspected by state agencies, Kemp Lake Dam poses a moderate risk, with an undetermined hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no designated emergency action plan in place. The last inspection took place in November 1993, with the structure currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the risk management measures and inundation maps remain unclear, the dam's risk assessment suggests a level 3 risk.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kemp Lake Dam provides a fascinating case study of a privately owned recreational structure with potential safety concerns. The dam's location in Clayton County, Georgia, alongside a nameless river or stream, highlights the importance of monitoring and assessing the condition of such structures for both public safety and environmental conservation. Further research and oversight may be necessary to ensure the long-term stability and resilience of Kemp Lake Dam in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource demands.

Dam Length

283

Dam Height

22.2

River Or Stream

Name unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

17.8

Drainage Area

313

Nid Storage

140

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.