Matthews Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Matthews Lake Dam, located in Bartow, Georgia, was completed in 1955 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam, primarily designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is an earth dam with a buttress core type and stands at a height of 24.8 feet. It has a storage capacity of 160.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10.1 acres, drawing water from a drainage area of 419 square miles.

Although the dam is uncontrolled and has a low hazard potential, it is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection took place in April 2018, and the dam was found to be in a condition that was not rated. While there are currently no emergency action plans in place for the dam, the risk assessment categorizes it as having a moderate risk level.

Despite its uncontrolled spillway and lack of state regulatory oversight, Matthews Lake Dam remains a popular recreational destination in Cassville, offering visitors a serene and picturesque environment to enjoy various water activities. Its historical significance as a part of Georgia's water infrastructure and its role in providing leisure opportunities make it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

128

Dam Height

24.8

River Or Stream

Name unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.1

Hydraulic Height

24.6

Drainage Area

419

Nid Storage

160.7

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.