Bear Creek Reservoir Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear Creek Reservoir Lake Dam, located in Bill Arp, Georgia, is a concrete buttress dam that was completed in 1979.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 17.3 feet, with a hydraulic height of 20.4 feet, and a length of 150 feet. Its primary purpose is water supply, with a storage capacity of 520 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 500 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 50 acres and is situated on Bear Creek, within Douglas County, Georgia.

Managed by the local government, the Bear Creek Reservoir Lake Dam is not state-regulated but undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2018. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk rating. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam's condition is currently not rated. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, highlighting its local significance in providing water supply for the surrounding community.

With its picturesque location and crucial role in water supply, the Bear Creek Reservoir Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's resilience and reliability in providing a stable water source become increasingly important. The dam's history, design, and operational details make it a fascinating subject for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and community resilience.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

17.3

River Or Stream

Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

20.4

Nid Storage

520

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.