Woody Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woody Lake Dam, located in Union, Georgia, was completed in 1931 and stands as a testament to engineering excellence.


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Summary

Designed by Walter Woody, this private-owned gravity dam on Savage Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene surface area of 40 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a maximum storage capacity of 299 acre-feet and a normal storage of 213 acre-feet, the dam provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities.

Despite its age, Woody Lake Dam remains in satisfactory condition, as confirmed by its last inspection in December 2020. With a high hazard potential due to its location and design, the dam is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, ensuring compliance with state standards for safety and maintenance. The structure features uncontrolled spillways and outlets, highlighting its historic design and function. While the risk assessment deems the dam to have a moderate risk level, ongoing monitoring and management measures are in place to ensure its continued safety and integrity for the surrounding community and environment.

With its rich history and critical role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage, Woody Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece within the region. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure resilience, the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of dams like Woody Lake Dam are essential to safeguarding communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Savage Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

639

Nid Storage

299

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.