Gilham's Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilham's Lake Dam, located in Roswell, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 41.4 feet and a length of 170 feet, impounds Willeo Creek to create a surface area of 20.2 acres and a storage capacity of 282 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

Managed by a private owner, Gilham's Lake Dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, has a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition during the last inspection in February 2016. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not experienced any significant modifications or emergency events in recent years.

The dam's location within Fulton County, Georgia, and its designation as a controlled spillway structure with uncontrolled outlet gates highlight its importance in managing water resources in the region. With its picturesque setting and recreational offerings, Gilham's Lake Dam stands as a symbol of the intersection between water management, climate resilience, and community enjoyment.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

41.4

River Or Stream

WILLEO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.2

Hydraulic Height

21.4

Drainage Area

816

Nid Storage

282

Structural Height

21.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
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.