Matthews Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Matthews Lake Dam in Paynes Mill Environs, Georgia, is a privately owned structure built in 1957 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 580 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Red River, within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and has not been rated for its condition or inspected in recent years.
Although the dam's hazard potential is listed as undetermined, with a moderate risk assessment rating, there is no emergency action plan in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unassessed, and there is limited information available on its risk management measures or emergency preparedness. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Matthews Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the need for continued monitoring and maintenance of aging infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
RED RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Drainage Area |
2300 |
Nid Storage |
650 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flint River Near Culloden
|
1240cfs |
Shoal Creek At Shoal Creek Rd
|
17cfs |
Flint River Near Griffin
|
341cfs |
Line Creek Near Senoia
|
24cfs |
Tobesofkee Creek Near Macon
|
6cfs |
Flint River Near Lovejoy
|
95cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Matthews Lake Dam