Margaret Phillips Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Margaret Phillips Lake Dam, also known as Phillips Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Fayetteville, Georgia.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 239 acre-feet. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and boating on the 16.5-acre reservoir.

Despite its recreational value, Margaret Phillips Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as reported in a 2017 inspection. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, presenting a risk of overflow during heavy rainfall events. The dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, which conducts regular inspections to ensure public safety. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures.

As a key feature in the Savannah District, the Margaret Phillips Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities in the region. While it faces challenges in terms of its condition and hazard potential, efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure the safety and sustainability of this important structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy for years to come.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.5

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

860

Nid Storage

239

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.