Walters Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Walters Lake Dam, also known as Forest Estates Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Irwin, Georgia.


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Summary

Constructed in 1973 by W.E. Ross & Sons, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a normal storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. The dam has a height of 19.8 feet and a length of 726 feet, creating a surface area of 10 acres and draining a watershed area of 110 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Walters Lake Dam is not regulated by the state of Georgia and has a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with inspections carried out every five years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3. While the condition of the dam is not currently rated, it remains a significant structure in the area for both recreational and water resource purposes.

Located within the Jacksonville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Walters Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find interest in the design and history of this privately owned dam, which continues to provide recreational opportunities while being subject to periodic inspections to mitigate potential risks.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

726

Dam Height

19.8

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

119.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.