Rico Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rico Lake Dam, located in Fulton County, Georgia, was completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 27.2 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 188 acre-feet. The dam spans 465 feet in length and covers a surface area of 22.5 acres, serving as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Rico Community.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Rico Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated structures. Regular inspections are conducted every 5 years, with the last inspection taking place in April 2017. The overall risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a moderate level of risk associated with its operation and maintenance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore a unique dam structure in Georgia, Rico Lake Dam offers a recreational haven with its serene reservoir and surrounding natural beauty. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, its low hazard potential and regular inspections provide assurance of its safety. With its rich history dating back to the 1960s, Rico Lake Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing and managing water resources for the benefit of the community.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

27.2

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

678

Nid Storage

312

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.