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