Adams Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Adams Lake Dam, located in Ila, Georgia, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Tr- Furnace Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at 21 feet tall and stretches 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Managed by the USDA NRCS, the dam also fulfills purposes such as debris control, creating a fish and wildlife pond, and enabling recreational activities for the local community. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

Constructed and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Adams Lake Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway measuring 32 feet in width. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, its emergency action plan readiness and risk management measures remain unspecified. With a drainage area of 0.25 square miles, the dam plays a pivotal role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. As a part of the broader network of dams in Congressional District 09, Georgia, Adams Lake Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Adams Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in sustainable infrastructure development. With its multiple functions and relatively low hazard potential, the dam symbolizes the intricate balance between human intervention and natural processes in safeguarding communities against flood risks. As the USDA NRCS continues to oversee the operation and maintenance of Adams Lake Dam, it stands as a testament to the importance of proactive risk management and the value of resilient infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Tr- Furnace Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

58

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.