Gay Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gay Lake Dam, located in Lumpkin, Georgia, was completed in 1980 and serves as a critical water resource for the area.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreational purposes, stands at a height of 37 feet and has a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 256 acre-feet. The dam, of earth type with a buttress core, spans 708 feet in length and covers a surface area of 20 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Gay Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction, with regular inspections ensuring its structural integrity and safety. The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, it has not been modified since its completion and is not currently regulated by the state.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gay Lake Dam represents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and management, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk assessments to ensure the safety and functionality of such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

708

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

128

Nid Storage

340

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.