Mcwilliams Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcwilliams Lake Dam in Forsyth, Georgia, stands as a testament to both engineering prowess and natural beauty.


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Summary

This privately-owned Earth dam, completed in 1956, primarily serves as a recreational spot, offering visitors a tranquil escape amidst its 5-acre surface area. With a modest height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, the dam boasts a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, making it a safe and enjoyable destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Despite its age, Mcwilliams Lake Dam continues to stand strong, with its condition remaining unrated as of the last inspection in 1992. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, emphasizing its simple yet functional design. While not state-regulated or regularly inspected, the dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk classification suggest that it poses minimal threat to surrounding areas. With its picturesque location and historical significance, Mcwilliams Lake Dam is a hidden gem worth exploring for those interested in water resources and climate resilience.

As visitors venture to Mcwilliams Lake Dam in the Cumming community, they can appreciate its Earth construction and buttress core type, showcasing a blend of natural materials and structural stability. The dam's association with the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds to its historical and environmental significance. While lacking in modern regulatory oversight, this dam remains a charming example of early water management practices, serving as a valuable reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and natural forces in shaping our water resources.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

63

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.