Spearman Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spearman Lake Dam, located in Cedartown, Georgia, was completed in 1950 and primarily serves a recreational purpose.


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Summary

This private dam stands at a height of 29.9 feet with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, offering a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, it has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) as of the latest inspection in September 2016.

The dam features an earth core type with buttress foundations and a length of 255 feet, creating a surface area of 6.4 acres within its reservoir. While it does not have a controlled spillway, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type ensures proper water discharge during peak flows. Despite being under state jurisdiction and inspection, Spearman Lake Dam is not regulated by the state permitting agency, highlighting its unique status as a privately-owned structure in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spearman Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational dam in Georgia. Its location in Haralson County, alongside the risk management measures in place, offers valuable insights into the management and oversight of such structures. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, this dam serves as a focal point for studying the intersection of water management, recreational activities, and infrastructure development in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

29.9

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.