Berkeley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Berkeley Lake Dam, located in Duluth, Georgia, was completed in 1948 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, stands at a height of 78.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 2375 acre-feet. With a surface area of 80 acres and a drainage area of 760 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Designed by J.A. Jones, Berkeley Lake Dam is classified as an Earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition and undergoes regular inspections by the Georgia Safe Dams Program. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures to ensure public safety in the event of an emergency.

As a significant structure in the Savannah District, Berkeley Lake Dam offers recreational opportunities while also serving as a key component of water resource management in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the role this dam plays in maintaining the balance of water systems in the region and the efforts undertaken to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

885

Dam Height

78.4

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

80

Drainage Area

760

Nid Storage

2375

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

78
       
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.