Hopewell Downs Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hopewell Downs Lake Dam, located in Birmingham, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 18.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 17.3 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.5 acres. While it may not be regulated by the state, its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a relatively safe structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.

With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and outlet gates also designated as "Uncontrolled," Hopewell Downs Lake Dam presents an intriguing engineering design for enthusiasts to study and appreciate. Despite not having a designated dam length or volume, the dam's unique core type of "Buttress" and unknown foundation add to its mystique. Its location within the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers further enhances its significance within the water resource management and climate adaptation community.

While Hopewell Downs Lake Dam may not have a recent inspection date or condition assessment rating, its role in providing recreational opportunities and its relatively low hazard potential make it an intriguing site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to visit and study. Its presence in the natural landscape of Fulton County, Georgia, underlines the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and assessment of dam infrastructure in the face of changing climate dynamics.

Dam Height

18.7

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

17.3

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

17.3

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.