Lake Ida Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Ida Dam, located in Harris County, Georgia, was completed in 1930 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Owned by a private entity, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 38.2 feet and has a length of 290 feet. The dam impounds Barnes Creek, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres, making it an ideal spot for water recreation enthusiasts.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, it undergoes inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in January 2020. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a certain level of potential risk that needs to be managed. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, there are no associated structures or locks present.

Lake Ida Dam, nestled in the Hamilton environs, offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities and water-based recreation, drawing in visitors to admire its scenic beauty and enjoy the serenity of its reservoir. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, the dam continues to serve as a valuable resource for the local community while also posing a moderate risk that requires ongoing management and monitoring to ensure its safety and longevity for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

38.2

River Or Stream

BARNES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

770

Nid Storage

168.9

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.
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