Prescott Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prescott Lake Dam, located in Burke, Georgia, was completed in 1975 with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities.


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Summary

This private dam, managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches 975 feet in length. Situated on Rosemary Branch, the dam has a storage capacity of 199 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Prescott Lake Dam has not been rated for its current condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with inspections conducted every five years, the last of which took place in May 2014. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has yet to have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, leaving room for improvement in terms of risk management and preparedness.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the preservation and safety of dams like Prescott Lake Dam may be intrigued by its unique design features and recreational significance. As a private structure not regulated by the state, there is potential for increased oversight and maintenance to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this important water resource.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

ROSEMARY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

199

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.