Herschell Lake Dam dam
Herschell Lake Dam
Herschell Lake Dam, located in Fulton County, Georgia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation. This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 24.4 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 198 feet, serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the 5-acre lake created by the structure.
While Herschell Lake Dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, it is rated as having a moderate risk level due to factors such as the lack of a formal condition assessment and emergency action plan. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates in place. Despite these potential risks, the dam remains a beloved recreational area in the Atlanta community. With its picturesque setting and ample opportunities for outdoor activities, Herschell Lake Dam continues to be a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Although the dam's maintenance and safety measures may need improvement to mitigate risks, Herschell Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and the need for proper infrastructure to support recreational activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential for dam owners and regulatory agencies to work together to ensure the safety and longevity of structures like Herschell Lake Dam for future generations to enjoy.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Herschell Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South River At Forest Park Road | 15 cfs | → |
| Utoy Creek At Great Southwest Pkwy Nr Atlanta | 10 cfs | → |
| Proctor Creek At Hortense Way | 5 cfs | → |
| Intrenchment Creek Near Atlanta | 4 cfs | → |
| Sweetwater Creek Below Austell | 105 cfs | → |
| Proctor Creek At Jackson Parkway | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Herschell Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Hooch Boat Ramp
- Cobb Parkway South Vinings
- West Palisades Vinings
- Lakeshore Drive Henry County
- Peachtree Parkway 488, Shake Rag
- Riveredge Lane Northwest Sandy Springs
Campgrounds
- Cochran Mill County Park
- Dobbins Lakeside Military
- Stone Mountain Park Campground
- Stone Mountain Campground
Fishing spots
- Jester Creek
- Lake Starling
- George H Sparks Reservoir
- Buena Vista Lake
- Clayton County International Park
- Butternut Creek
Track Herschell Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Herschell Lake Dam
Where does the data for Herschell Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Herschell Lake Dam.