Mc Dade Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mc Dade Lake Dam, located in Baldwin, Georgia, was completed in 1950 and stands as a private earth dam with a height of 29 feet and a length of 420 feet.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this structure is for recreation, offering a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 150 acres. With a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, the dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite being privately owned, Mc Dade Lake Dam is state-jurisdiction regulated with regular inspections conducted, the last one in December 2016. The dam's design features a buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway, while the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and stability of the structure for both recreational and environmental purposes.

With its scenic location in the Hardwick environs and the Savannah District, Mc Dade Lake Dam offers water resource and climate enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and appreciate the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes. The dam's presence contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a valuable recreational space, making it an intriguing site for further study and appreciation by those interested in water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

119

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.