Bona Allen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bona Allen Lake Dam, also known as the Old Buford Reservoir Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Buford, Georgia.


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Summary

Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a structural height of 16 feet, with a length of 166 feet. Situated on Suwanee Creek, the dam serves a primary purpose that is categorized as "Other", with a normal storage capacity of 184 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 216 acre-feet.

Despite being privately owned, Bona Allen Lake Dam falls within the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia and is subject to state inspections. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been rated for its current condition. The last inspection of the structure dates back to 1989, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it does not have a Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place or inundation maps prepared.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Bona Allen Lake Dam an interesting structure to study, given its historical significance, design features, and the potential implications of its presence on Suwanee Creek. The dam's earth construction type and buttress core design add to its uniqueness, while its location in Gwinnett County, Georgia, offers a glimpse into the hydrological landscape of the region. With a moderate risk assessment and a lack of recent condition assessment, there is a need for continued monitoring and evaluation to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water retention structure.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

166

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

SUWANEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

216

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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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.