Harling Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Harling Lake Dam, located in McDuffie, Georgia, was completed in 1959 and stands at a height of 22 feet with a length of 540 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, has a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17 acres. The dam, designed by SCS, has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for condition assessment.

Situated in the Bradshaw Lake Community, Harling Lake Dam is not state-regulated but undergoes regular inspections every five years. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam poses a moderate risk, as assessed by a risk assessment score of 3. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared for the dam, the overall risk management measures for the structure remain unspecified. Despite its private ownership and lack of state permitting, Harling Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for recreational activities in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Harling Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its unique design and historical significance in the region. As the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities and water storage capacity, monitoring its condition and risk potential will be essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding community and environment. Further research into the dam's structural integrity, emergency preparedness, and long-term management strategies could offer valuable insights for water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

200

Nid Storage

175

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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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.