Banks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Banks Lake Dam, also known as Paradise Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Metter, Georgia.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 11 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 580 feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 151 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 19 acres.
Managed by the Georgia-SAFE DAMS Program, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Banks Lake Dam is currently not rated. With a moderate risk level, the dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management and recreation in the Candler County area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Banks Lake Dam a fascinating engineering feat with both functional and recreational significance in the region.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
Unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2540 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canoochee River Near Claxton
|
81cfs |
Ohoopee River Near Reidsville
|
209cfs |
Ogeechee River At Rocky Ford Rd
|
881cfs |
Ogeechee River At Midville
|
674cfs |
Altamaha River Near Baxley
|
4640cfs |
Oconee River Near Mount Vernon
|
1340cfs |
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.
Banks Lake Dam