Little River Ws Str #17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little River WS Str #17 is a state-owned earth dam in Cherokee, Georgia, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.