West Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brannen Lake Dam Glisson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
West Lake Dam in Georgia, managed by a private owner, serves primarily for recreational purposes with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating.
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Summary
Built with an earth core and buttress structure, the dam stands at 17 feet high and stretches 460 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 11 acres and draining an area of 90 square miles.
Despite being unregulated by the state, West Lake Dam has undergone inspections every five years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. While its condition remains unrated, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find West Lake Dam an intriguing site for its unique design and recreational purpose, set against the backdrop of Candler County's picturesque landscapes.
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
90 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canoochee River Near Claxton
|
81cfs |
Ohoopee River Near Reidsville
|
209cfs |
Ogeechee River At Rocky Ford Rd
|
881cfs |
Altamaha River Near Baxley
|
4640cfs |
Black Creek Near Blitchton
|
38cfs |
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.
West Lake Dam