J. W. Herndon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

W. Herndon Lake Dam, located in Canton, Georgia, was completed in 1993 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 25.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 57.9 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled, with an uncontrolled outlet gate.

Despite being in a moderate risk category (rated at 3), J. W. Herndon Lake Dam has a low hazard potential. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in April 2019. The condition assessment of the dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," and it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The dam is situated in the Nashville District and is not regulated by the state of Georgia, but state jurisdiction is acknowledged. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find J. W. Herndon Lake Dam an intriguing structure worth exploring in the beautiful Cherokee County.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

25.1

River Or Stream

Name unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Hydraulic Height

23.6

Nid Storage

57.9

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.