North Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Lake Dam, located in DeKalb, Georgia, was completed in 1953 and stands at a height of 22 feet with a length of 420 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, has a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet and covers an area of 18 acres. The dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2017, North Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the importance of proper risk management measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, it is crucial for emergency action plans to be in place and regularly updated. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates add to the complexity of managing potential risks and ensuring the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment.

As a popular recreational spot in Atlanta, North Lake Dam serves as both a source of water-based activities and a potential risk to be managed effectively. With its location in a highly populated area and its significance in the local landscape, the dam's maintenance and monitoring are essential to protect both the community and the natural resources it impacts.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

272

Nid Storage

156

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

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.