Hoke Smith West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hoke Smith West Lake Dam, located in Welcome Church Environs, Georgia, was completed in 1978 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 19.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, providing a storage capacity of 97.5 acre-feet. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk due to unspecified factors.

Owned privately, this dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, with no state permitting, inspection, or enforcement requirements. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated structures or locks. While the condition assessment is not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. With a lack of detailed information on emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures, there is room for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of Hoke Smith West Lake Dam. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of private ownership, multi-purpose functionality, and risk management in dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

19.8

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

97.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.