Walter Richards Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Walter Richards Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 44 ft (taller than 93.9% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 825 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 814 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41 acres |
| Drainage Area | 224 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | GA01661 |
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
Uxau Hatchee LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Walter Richards Dam No. 2
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High Hazard 150 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Walter Richards Lake Dam?
Walter Richards 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 Walter Richards Lake Dam?
Walter Richards Lake Dam is owned by Uxau Hatchee LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Walter Richards Lake Dam built?
Walter Richards Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Walter Richards Lake Dam?
Walter Richards 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 Walter Richards Lake Dam?
Walter Richards Lake Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Walter Richards Lake Dam last inspected?
Walter Richards Lake Dam was last inspected on March 13, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.