Willow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willow Lake Dam, also known as Horse Shoe Bend Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Roswell, Georgia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1974 by Urban Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 50.5 feet and serves primarily for recreation purposes. With a storage capacity of 676 acre-feet and a drainage area of 225 acres, the dam is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the 17-acre surface area of Willow Lake.

Despite its recreational value, Willow Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its outlet gates are also uncontrolled, raising concerns about its ability to manage water flow effectively. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in January 2020. While its risk assessment is moderate, the dam's condition and hazard potential call for careful monitoring and management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the area.

Overall, Willow Lake Dam stands as a significant structure in Fulton County, Georgia, offering recreational opportunities while also presenting challenges in terms of its condition and hazard potential. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, it is crucial for dam operators and regulators to prioritize the maintenance and safety of structures like Willow Lake Dam to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

50.5

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

225

Nid Storage

676

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

51
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.