Demorest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Demorest Lake Dam, located in Habersham County, Georgia, was completed in 1880 and serves as a recreational structure along Hazel Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 22 feet and a length of 289 feet, this buttress dam provides a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 17 acres. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering locals and visitors a serene spot to enjoy the water and surrounding natural beauty.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Demorest Lake Dam poses a moderate risk according to its hazard potential assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with an undetermined condition assessment and no established emergency action plan. While the risk level is considered moderate, the overall risk management measures and preparedness for potential incidents are currently unspecified, leaving room for improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of the dam structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Demorest Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with recreational significance. Its location within the Hazel Creek watershed and the surrounding landscape of Habersham County offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. As efforts to assess and mitigate risks associated with aging dams continue to evolve, understanding the history and current state of dams like Demorest Lake Dam can provide valuable insights into the broader challenges of managing water resources in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

289

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

HAZEL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

4353

Nid Storage

147

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.