Proposed Mary Wheeler Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The proposed Mary Wheeler Lake Dam in Bacon, Georgia is a private earth dam primarily designed for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 399 acre-feet, the dam is located on an unnamed river in the city of Alma. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, making it a vital structure for water resource management in the area.

Despite not being regulated by the state, the Mary Wheeler Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2002. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks for navigation. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam serves as a crucial water management infrastructure for the surrounding area, ensuring adequate irrigation supply for agricultural activities. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find the proposed Mary Wheeler Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure that contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources in Georgia.

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Nid Storage

399

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.