Goat Rock Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Goat Rock is a fascinating hydroelectric dam located on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Phenix City, Georgia.


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Summary

Built in 1912 by the Stone and Webster Engineering Company, this gravity dam stands at a height of 69 feet and has a structural height of 65 feet. With a storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet and a normal storage of 8,500 acre-feet, Goat Rock plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

The dam has a spillway width of 910 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 591,400 cubic feet per second, making it a significant infrastructure for flood control and water flow regulation. Despite its age, Goat Rock is well-maintained, with a high hazard potential due to its location and function. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees its operations and inspections, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this vital hydroelectric facility.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goat Rock presents an intriguing example of early 20th-century engineering ingenuity combined with modern regulatory oversight. Its multi-arch design and rock foundation make it a unique structure in the region, contributing to both the local economy through hydroelectric power generation and the environmental management of the Chattahoochee River watershed. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, Goat Rock serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demand.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

1433.5

Dam Height

69

River Or Stream

Chattahoochee River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

960

Hydraulic Height

69

Drainage Area

4535

Nid Storage

10000

Structural Height

65

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

69
       
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.