Ford Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ford Lake Dam in Fayette, Georgia is a privately owned structure designed for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1972, the earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet, with a hydraulic height of 26 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a normal storage of 68 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6 acres. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has an uncontrolled outlet gates system.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, Ford Lake Dam carries a high hazard potential, making it a critical structure for inspection and maintenance. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia SAFE DAMS Program and is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and water resources.

Located in the Sams Lake Environs near the Savannah District, Ford Lake Dam is a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor. With its historical significance as a recreational structure and its potential impact on the local environment, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems in the region. As a privately owned dam, it highlights the importance of collaboration between public agencies and private entities to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Georgia.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.