Hand Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Godwin Lake Dam Howell Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hand Lake Dam, located in Pelham, Georgia, was completed in 1978 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
This private Earth dam stands at a height of 13.6 feet with a hydraulic height of 13.3 feet and a length of 540 feet. With a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet and a surface area of 22 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Despite being unregulated by the state, Hand Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a drainage area of 1435 acres. While the condition assessment is not rated and the last inspection took place in June 2018, the dam poses no immediate threat and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition for the time being.
Hand Lake Dam, part of the Savannah District, is situated in Mitchell County, Georgia, under the representation of Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D). This structure, although privately owned, plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and provides valuable water resources for fire protection and wildlife conservation. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the unique characteristics and significance of Hand Lake Dam in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
13.6 |
River Or Stream |
Name unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.3 |
Drainage Area |
1435 |
Nid Storage |
184 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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