Cathey Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cathey Creek Lake Dam, located in Cleveland, Georgia, is a private earth dam standing at 25 feet high with a hydraulic height of 22.6 feet.


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Summary

Built on Cathey Creek, this dam serves the purpose of providing a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet of water, with a normal storage level of 92 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.

The design of Cathey Creek Lake Dam was a collaborative effort between the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and Lewis A. Waldrop PE. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. While it is not regulated by the state, it undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety and stability. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management to prevent any potential hazards.

Overall, Cathey Creek Lake Dam is a vital structure in the water resource management system of White County, Georgia. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the engineering and design details of this dam, as well as the efforts put in to maintain its safety and functionality. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Cathey Creek Lake Dam play a crucial role in ensuring water availability and storage in the region.

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Cathey Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

22.6

Nid Storage

132

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.