Echo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Echo Lake Dam, also known as Lake La Lera, is a local government-owned structure located in DeKalb, Georgia, near Atlanta.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches 113 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a serene surface area of 14.2 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, Echo Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2017, this dam poses moderate risk which is being managed through appropriate measures. Although the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, its risk level is monitored closely to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Echo Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance and impact on the local ecosystem. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, this dam serves as a vital component of the community while also highlighting the importance of proper dam management and risk assessment in safeguarding water resources and communities against potential hazards.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

113

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.2

Nid Storage

147

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.