Riley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Riley Lake Dam, located in Harris, Georgia, was completed in 1948 and serves as a private recreational facility.


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Summary

With a dam height of 26 feet and a length of 430 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core type provides a surface area of 17.5 acres and a storage capacity of 242.8 acre-feet. The dam is primarily used for recreation purposes and is not regulated by the state, although it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Riley Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as 'Not Rated,' and it has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date. The last inspection was conducted in March 2020, and the dam is inspected every five years to assess its overall safety and risk management measures. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, there are no associated locks for navigation purposes.

Overall, Riley Lake Dam provides a picturesque recreational spot in Georgia for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. Its historical significance as a private structure highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and environmental preservation. As the dam continues to be a focal point for recreational activities, ongoing assessments and risk management measures will be crucial in ensuring its long-term sustainability and safety.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.5

Nid Storage

242.8

Structural Height

24.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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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.