Little River WS Str #17 is a state-owned earth dam in Cherokee, Georgia, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1959 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this buttress dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 500 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 252 acre-feet, it serves a drainage area of 696 square miles and has a maximum discharge rate of 252 cubic feet per second.
Despite its crucial role in flood risk management, Little River WS Str #17 poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of September 2006. The dam's emergency action plan readiness, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unspecified, raising concerns about its ability to withstand potential disasters. With a moderate risk rating of 3, there is a pressing need for updated inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of this vital water resource infrastructure in the Birmingham environs.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts track the evolving landscape of dam safety and management, the case of Little River WS Str #17 serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by aging infrastructure. With its location in a high-risk area and a history dating back over six decades, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
696 |
Nid Storage |
252 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |