Melton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Candler Lake Dam Heards Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Melton Lake Dam, located in Buena Vista, Georgia, was completed in 1964 and is primarily owned and operated by a private entity.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 21.4 feet, serves a recreational purpose and has a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. Built with an earth core and buttress structure, the dam spans 420 feet in length and covers a surface area of 6.5 acres.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Melton Lake Dam is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with an undetermined hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam has not been inspected in recent years and lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Melton Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private ownership and recreational use of a critical infrastructure. With its unique design and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
21.4 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.1 |
Nid Storage |
81 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Upatoi Creek Near Columbus
|
275cfs |
Kinchafoonee Creek At Preston
|
220cfs |
Muckalee Creek Near Americus
|
222cfs |
Hannahatchee Creek At Union
|
107cfs |
Chattahoochee River At Us 280
|
1990cfs |
Uchee Creek Near Fort Mitchell
|
118cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Melton Lake Dam