Joy Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Joy Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 43.5% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 206 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 99 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 269 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2009 |
| NID ID | GA01302 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Barnett, John - Joy Lake LLC;Better Investments, LLC;Clayton County Board of Commissioners
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Marchman Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftClayton State University Lake Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftLake Louise Dam
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High Hazard 35 ftWall Lake Dam
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Unknown 25 ftSavage Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 24 ftSuwanee Lake Dam
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Unknown 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Joy Lake Dam?
Joy Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Joy Lake Dam?
Joy Lake Dam is owned by Barnett, John - Joy Lake LLC;Better Investments, LLC;Clayton County Board of Commissioners (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Joy Lake Dam built?
Joy Lake Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Joy Lake Dam?
Joy Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Joy Lake Dam?
Joy Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Joy Lake Dam last inspected?
Joy Lake Dam was last inspected on January 10, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.