Ward Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Ward Lake Dam, located in DeKalb, Georgia, was completed in 1950 by the local government under the design of DEKALB CO.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 17 feet, primarily serving for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 99 acre-feet, Ward Lake Dam covers a surface area of 18 acres and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Ward Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in May 2005, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam is not state-regulated but is under state jurisdiction, with ongoing state inspections in place. The risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps for the dam are not currently available, indicating potential areas for improvement in the future.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Ward Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure with a rich history in the DeKalb community. While the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, its risk assessment and condition evaluation raise important considerations for future monitoring and maintenance. With a location in SNAPFINGER and under the ownership of the local government, Ward Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering with the natural environment, highlighting the ongoing importance of responsible dam management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

187

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.