Lake Dow Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Dow North Dam Boyd's Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Dow Dam, located in McDonough, Georgia, is a private earth dam designed by Ron Colvin & W.
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Summary
S. Agee in 1974 for recreational purposes. This dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 600 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2,268 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of Lake Dow Dam is recreation, it also serves as a crucial component of the local water resource infrastructure.
Despite its importance, Lake Dow Dam has been assessed to have a high hazard potential and poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in January 2016. The dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a drainage area of 2,194 acres and a surface area of 110 acres, Lake Dow Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in Henry County, Georgia.
As a significant earth dam in the region, Lake Dow Dam presents a moderate risk (level 3) according to the latest assessment. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the unique challenges and importance of managing and maintaining dams like Lake Dow Dam to safeguard both recreational opportunities and public safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
Nails Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
110 |
Drainage Area |
2194 |
Nid Storage |
2268 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Dow Dam