Big Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Lake Dam, located in Cobb County, Georgia, was completed in 1936 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along Rotten Wood Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. While the dam is not currently state regulated, it is deemed to have a moderate risk level, with an undetermined hazard potential.

Despite lacking detailed inspection and assessment data, Big Lake Dam remains a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risks in the region. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates highlight its reliance on natural flow patterns to regulate water levels. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Big Lake Dam an intriguing case study for examining the balance between infrastructure needs and environmental considerations in flood management.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

ROTTEN WOOD CREEK TRI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

200

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.