Whatley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whatley Lake Dam, located in Reynolds, Georgia, was completed in 1963 and serves as a recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 17.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 13.4 feet, offering a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and low hazard potential, the dam presents a moderate risk level, suggesting the need for ongoing risk management measures.

Owned by the local government, Whatley Lake Dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and unknown foundation. With a length of 660 feet and a surface area of 10.6 acres, the dam primarily caters to recreational purposes. While it is not regulated by the state and lacks inspection and enforcement protocols, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental preservation.

Managed by the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Whatley Lake Dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk mitigation strategies. With limited information on emergency action plans and inundation maps, there is a need for enhanced emergency response protocols and communication strategies to safeguard the surrounding community and optimize the dam's operational efficiency.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.6

Hydraulic Height

13.4

Nid Storage

93

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.