Lake Louella Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Louella Dam, located in Gwinnett County, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

With a height of 29.7 feet and a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet, the dam impounds water from Bennett Creek, creating a surface area of 10 acres for various recreational activities. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam is also regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Although the dam's hazard potential is rated as high and its condition assessment is poor, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity. The last inspection in July 2016 revealed the need for maintenance and potential safety concerns. Despite these challenges, Lake Louella Dam continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in the face of changing climate conditions. As climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for sustainable water resource management practices to ensure the long-term safety and viability of structures like Lake Louella Dam.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

29.7

River Or Stream

Bennett Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.