Woody Lake Dam, located in Union, Georgia, was completed in 1931 and stands as a testament to engineering excellence.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Nottely River Near Blairsville
|
87cfs |
Chestatee River Near Dahlonega
|
199cfs |
Toccoa River Near Dial
|
259cfs |
Chattahoochee River At Helen
|
69cfs |
Amicalola Creek Near Dawsonville
|
110cfs |
Chattahoochee River Near Leaf
|
243cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Miller Gap Campsite
|
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Dockery Lake
|
||
Dockery Lake Recreation Area
|
||
Wildcat Lodge & Campground
|
||
Jarrard Gap Campsite
|
||
Lake Winfield Scott Campground
|