Kings Cliff Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kings Cliff Lake Dam, located in DeKalb County, Georgia, is a local government-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, stands at 28 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 17 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating and high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and longevity.

This dam, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, serves as an important water resource for the area, providing a normal storage level of 21 acre-feet. However, its spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, raising concerns about its ability to handle excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall. The last inspection in January 2021 highlighted the dam's hazardous potential, prompting a call for enhanced risk management measures and emergency preparedness efforts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kings Cliff Lake Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for both recreational activities and water storage in DeKalb County. While the dam's condition assessment may be concerning, ongoing inspections and potential risk management measures aim to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the dam's continued function and safety for the surrounding community. Efforts to improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness will be crucial in maintaining its role as a valuable resource for the area.

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.