Cowart Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cowart Lake Dam, located in Fulton, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 29.9 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet, providing a storage capacity of 3401 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 125 feet and covers a surface area of 123.5 acres, drawing visitors to its picturesque surroundings for various outdoor activities.

Although Cowart Lake Dam is privately owned, it is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" for its condition assessment. The last inspection in May 2017 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, with a moderate risk assessment level. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, the dam meets guidelines for risk management and has measures in place to mitigate potential risks.

With its tranquil setting and recreational offerings, Cowart Lake Dam provides a valuable water resource for the community of Ben Hill. As a significant landmark in the region, it continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the importance of maintaining and managing water infrastructure for both ecological and recreational purposes.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

29.9

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

123.5

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1820

Nid Storage

3401

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
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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.