Sandy Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sandy Lake Dam, also known as Kelly Lake Dam, is a private dam located in DeKalb, Georgia, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet, creating a storage capacity of 209 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 542 feet and covers a surface area of 21 acres, making it a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

Despite being privately owned, Sandy Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and inspections, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is categorized as having a moderate risk level. While the condition assessment is not rated, the dam is regularly inspected every five years to monitor its integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates for water discharge.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Sandy Lake Dam an interesting case study in dam construction and management. Its design as an earth dam with a buttress core, combined with its recreational purpose, adds to the complexity of balancing safety and enjoyment for visitors. With its location in a populated area like DeKalb, Georgia, understanding the risk and management measures associated with Sandy Lake Dam can provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resource infrastructure and community safety.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

542

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

209

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.