George Parsons Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

George Parsons Lake Dam, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1981 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 59.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 55.4 feet and a length of 750 feet, creating a storage capacity of 7566 acre-feet and a surface area of 168 acres. The dam is situated on Caney Creek, within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its recreational function, George Parsons Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and is classified as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in May 2017. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates. While it is regulated and inspected by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, there are no records of emergency action plans or inundation maps being prepared for the dam. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a risk level of 3.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, George Parsons Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with significant safety concerns. Its location on Caney Creek and its high hazard potential highlight the importance of proper maintenance and risk management for dams, especially in recreational areas. The dam's poor condition assessment serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and integrity of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing demands for water resources.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

59.5

River Or Stream

Caney Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

168

Hydraulic Height

55.4

Drainage Area

2880

Nid Storage

7566

Structural Height

55.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

60
       
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.