Pinley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinley Lake Dam, also known as Sandy Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Fayetteville, Georgia.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by designer Raymond Pitts, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.9 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 692 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 420 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is situated on Sandy Creek, within the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Pinley Lake Dam has not been state-regulated but undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated structures or federal agency involvement. Despite its unlisted foundations and condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam remains a key feature in the local area, providing a surface area of 56 acres for recreational activities and contributing to the overall water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Pinley Lake Dam to be an intriguing site to explore and study in the context of dam engineering and environmental impact.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

840

Dam Height

20.9

River Or Stream

SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

56

Hydraulic Height

19.5

Drainage Area

1100

Nid Storage

692

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.