Kennedy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chamblis Lake Dam Belmar Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kennedy Lake Dam, located in Dawson, Georgia, is a private earth dam built in 1930 with a primary purpose of fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 9.4 feet with a hydraulic height of 9.5 feet and a length of 510 feet. It has a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15.5 acres. The dam is situated on Chickasawhatchee Creek in Terrell County and is not regulated by the state, but undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and not currently rated for its condition, Kennedy Lake Dam poses a moderate risk (3) according to risk assessment measures. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, and there are no associated locks or federal agency oversight. The last inspection was conducted in August 2016 with a frequency of every 5 years. While the dam meets the guidelines for emergency action plans, there is no information available on the preparation and revision dates of such plans or the existence of inundation maps.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area may find Kennedy Lake Dam to be an intriguing site due to its historical significance and the potential risks associated with its condition. As a privately owned structure serving multiple purposes, the dam presents an interesting case for balancing human needs with environmental considerations. Monitoring and maintaining the dam's integrity, as well as implementing appropriate risk management measures, will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of Kennedy Lake and the surrounding area in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource management challenges.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
9.4 |
River Or Stream |
CHICKASAWHATCHEE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9.5 |
Drainage Area |
2700 |
Nid Storage |
177 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kinchafoonee Creek Near Dawson
|
531cfs |
Muckalee Creek At Ga 195
|
419cfs |
Kinchafoonee Creek At Preston
|
220cfs |
Ichawaynochaway Creek At Ga 37
|
332cfs |
Flint River At Albany
|
3510cfs |
Pachitla Creek Near Edison
|
175cfs |
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.
Kennedy Lake Dam