Van Cleave Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Cleave Lake Dam, located in Richland, Georgia, was completed in 1975 and serves as a recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 19.4 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18.7 feet, with a length of 465 feet. The dam holds a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet, providing a serene 11-acre surface area for various water activities.

Although the dam is deemed to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, it has not been rated for its current condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in August 2019. The dam's primary purpose of recreation is evident in its design, featuring an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. Despite not being regulated by the state, Van Cleave Lake Dam continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Stewart County, offering a picturesque setting for nature lovers to explore.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

19.4

River Or Stream

SAND BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18.7

Drainage Area

1969

Nid Storage

137

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.