Chimney Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chimney Lake Dam Upper, located in Cobb County, Georgia, was completed in 1980 by MAYES, SUDDERTH, & ETHERIDGE, and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 36.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 31.7 feet, this earth dam boasts a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it features uncontrolled outlet gates.

Despite its low hazard potential, Chimney Lake Dam Upper has a moderate risk rating and has not undergone a formal condition assessment. The last inspection took place in September 1997, with a frequency of every five years. While the dam is currently in a "not rated" condition, it remains under state jurisdiction and inspection. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chimney Lake Dam Upper presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned dam in Georgia with a rich history of providing recreational opportunities while managing water resources effectively.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

36.7

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

31.7

Nid Storage

134

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.