Turner Hill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Turner Hill Lake Dam in DeKalb, Georgia, is a privately-owned structure designed by Pharr Engineering for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at 31 feet high and spans 450 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1331 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated, with inspections conducted every two years to ensure its satisfactory condition and high hazard potential.

Located in the Mobile District, Turner Hill Lake Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The dam poses a moderate risk level and is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia SAFE DAMS PROGRAM for regulation, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its completion, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unlisted. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Turner Hill Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and flood control strategies within the state of Georgia.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

31

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

3520

Nid Storage

1331

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.