Powers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powers Lake Dam in Fulton County, Georgia, stands as a crucial water resource for the city of Atlanta, serving primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 41.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 33 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.4 acres. Despite being a private structure, Powers Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the Georgia Safe Dams Program to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam, built with an earth core and buttress structure, poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. However, the last inspection in February 2016 deemed its condition as satisfactory. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate, it still requires regular monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. The surrounding community must be aware of emergency protocols and have updated inundation maps and contact information in case of a dam failure.

With Barry Loudermilk serving as the congressional representative for the area, Powers Lake Dam remains a vital part of the local water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is imperative to prioritize the maintenance and safety of structures like Powers Lake Dam to ensure the well-being of the community and environment.

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

41.8

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.4

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
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.