Walter Richards Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Walter Richards Lake Dam, located in Harris, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1940 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 44 feet and has a length of 825 feet, providing storage of 1,044 acre-feet of water with a normal storage capacity of 814 acre-feet. The dam's poor condition assessment and high hazard potential indicate the need for urgent maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Despite being regulated and inspected by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, emphasizing the importance of implementing risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards. The dam's location in the Lake Harding community adds to the significance of its role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With a drainage area of 224 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area.
It is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to closely monitor the condition of Walter Richards Lake Dam and advocate for necessary repairs and improvements to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With its outdated spillway type and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a potential risk to the community in case of emergencies. By staying informed and actively participating in the dam's management and maintenance, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of this vital water resource infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
825 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Drainage Area |
224 |
Nid Storage |
1044 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Walter Richards Lake Dam