Forest Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Hills Lake Dam in Richmond, Georgia, stands as a critical water resource structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1986 with a height of 34 feet and a length of 365 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in storing and managing water for agricultural needs in the region. Managed by a private owner, the dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections by the Georgia-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its essential role in water management, Forest Hills Lake Dam is facing challenges with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2019. With a moderate risk level, the dam requires heightened attention and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and environment. The dam's spillway is currently uncontrolled, adding to the complexity of managing water levels and potential hazards during extreme weather events or periods of heightened water flow.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor Forest Hills Lake Dam's status and risk assessment, there is a need for proactive measures to address its poor condition and high hazard potential. With its critical role in irrigation and water management, stakeholders must prioritize the safety and maintenance of this essential infrastructure to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water resource management for the future.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

45

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.