Hand Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hand Lake Dam, located in Oak Grove Church Environs, Georgia, was completed in 1973 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and serves as an earth dam primarily for irrigation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 14 feet, the dam has a length of 570 feet and a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of the dam ensures low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment.
Owned privately and not regulated by the state, Hand Lake Dam has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments. With a drainage area of 105 square miles and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's location in Berrien County, Georgia, makes it a key infrastructure for the local community, contributing to the overall water management and irrigation needs in the area.
Although Hand Lake Dam has not been modified or rated for its condition, its design and purpose highlight its importance for irrigation in the region. With a moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, the dam continues to serve its intended function effectively. As a significant structure in the water resource management system, the dam underscores the importance of sustainable water usage and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
570 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
105 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hand Lake Dam