Dickson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dickson Lake Dam, located in Riverdale, Georgia, was completed in 1958 and stands at a height of 23.2 feet, with a hydraulic height of 18.2 feet.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this private-owned dam is for recreation, with additional purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance. The dam has a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres, serving a drainage area of 370 acres.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2017, Dickson Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with uncontrolled outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a potential for risk management measures to be implemented. With its close proximity to Riverdale in Fayette County, Georgia, the dam provides not only recreational opportunities but also serves as a critical infrastructure for the local community.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dickson Lake Dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the Georgia Safe Dams Program. With a designer credit to SCS (Satterfield), the dam is regularly inspected and permitted by the state, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and environmental significance of Dickson Lake Dam in managing water resources, supporting local ecosystems, and providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

23.2

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

18.2

Drainage Area

370

Nid Storage

166

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.