Bradbury Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lees Lake Dam Mcclenney Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bradbury Lake Dam in Fairburn, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1958 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Situated on Tar Creek, this dam stands at a height of 20.5 feet and has a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 221 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres. Despite its modest size, the dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Managed by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, Bradbury Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, while its outlet gates also lack control mechanisms. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating the potential for significant consequences in the event of failure. With its location in a high-risk area and limited risk management measures in place, Bradbury Lake Dam serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and emergency preparedness to mitigate potential dangers to surrounding communities and water resources.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, safety, and environmental conservation would find Bradbury Lake Dam a compelling case study. As a privately owned recreational dam with a high hazard potential, its condition assessment and risk profile offer valuable insights into the ongoing challenges faced by dam operators and regulators in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure. By examining the management practices and risk mitigation strategies employed at Bradbury Lake Dam, stakeholders can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in balancing water resource utilization with the need for robust safety measures in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20.5 |
River Or Stream |
TAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1600 |
Nid Storage |
221 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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