Whispering Pines Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whispering Pines Lake Dam, located in Stephens, Georgia, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 29 feet and a hydraulic height of 25 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 136 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 355 feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Whispering Pines Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia and is not regulated or inspected by state agencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with an undetermined hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated. While the risk assessment for this dam is moderate (3), there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place as of the latest data update in April 2021.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Whispering Pines Lake Dam can appreciate its tranquil setting and recreational opportunities, but may also be concerned about the lack of state regulation and inspection. With its moderate risk level and uncontrolled spillway, there is a need for increased monitoring and potentially the development of emergency action plans to ensure the safety and longevity of this important water resource feature in Georgia.

Dam Length

355

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

189

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.