Mathis Lake Dam (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Mathis Lake Dam (Lower) is a privately owned structure located in Decatur, Georgia, constructed in 1949 by Norris Const.


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Summary

Co. The primary purpose of the dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a height of 37 feet and a hydraulic height of 24 feet. The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core type, spans 375 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet.

Despite being unregulated by the state, Mathis Lake Dam (Lower) has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level. The dam has not been assessed for its condition, but it has undergone inspections, with the last one conducted in September 2005. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a surface area of 4 acres.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mathis Lake Dam (Lower) presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam serving multiple purposes in the community. Its historical significance, design characteristics, and risk assessment factors make it a valuable asset to examine in the context of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

55

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.