Matthews Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Matthews Lake Dam, located in Pavo, Georgia, was completed in 1960 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, primarily used for flood protection, has a height of 12.4 feet and a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition is currently not rated.
Owned by a private entity, Matthews Lake Dam is an earth dam with a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway. The dam spans a length of 755 feet and has a surface area of 13 acres, serving a drainage area of 405 acres. Despite its lack of state regulation, inspection, or enforcement, the dam's risk management measures are in place to ensure safety and security for the surrounding area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the unique design and functionality of Matthews Lake Dam in its contribution to local water management efforts.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
755 |
Dam Height |
12.4 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
12.2 |
Drainage Area |
405 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Matthews Lake Dam