Welch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Welch Lake Dam, located in Newton, Georgia, was completed in 1986 and serves as a key recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 465 feet, impounds Welch Lake with a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Managed by a private owner, the dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite being unlisted as a state-regulated structure, the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in September 2005, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years.

Welch Lake Dam, situated in a picturesque setting with a surface area of 8 acres, plays an important role in local water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam ensures the safety and stability of the surrounding community while providing a recreational oasis for residents and visitors alike. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, maintaining the integrity and functionality of structures like Welch Lake Dam is crucial for sustainable water management and resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

110

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.