Sugarloaf Lake Dam #5a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sugarloaf Lake Dam #5a is a privately owned earth dam located in Gwinnett, Georgia, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, designed by SOIL AND MATERIAL ENGINEERS INC., stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. It is classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.

Despite being privately owned, Sugarloaf Lake Dam #5a falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia and is not regulated, permitted, inspected, or enforced by any state agency. The dam does not have any associated structures and features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. Its condition assessment is not rated, and there is no emergency action plan prepared or regularly updated for this structure.

Overall, Sugarloaf Lake Dam #5a is a recreational dam with moderate risk and an undetermined hazard potential. As a privately owned structure, it operates independently of state regulation and oversight. While its storage capacity and engineering design are outlined, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and overall condition assessment.

Dam Height

29

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

210

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.