Shipp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shipp Lake Dam, located in Mt Hope Church Environs, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the SCS, this buttress-style dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 420 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the picturesque Little Lime Creek and offers a serene surface area of 20 acres for visitors to enjoy various water activities.

Despite being privately owned, Shipp Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and inspection, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a manageable level of risk. Although the condition assessment is currently marked as 'Not Rated', the last inspection in 2003 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. While the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it does not have a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shipp Lake Dam serves as an example of a modest yet significant structure that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing recreational opportunities for the local community. Its historical significance, combined with its functional purpose, makes it a noteworthy site worth exploring for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

LITTLE LIME CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Nid Storage

170

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.