Little Tallapoosa River Watershed Structure No. 20 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Little Tallapoosa River Watershed Structure No.


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Summary

20, also known as Shadow Lake Dam, is a key flood risk reduction structure located in Carrollton, Georgia. Built in 1960 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 24 feet high and spans 300 feet in length. With a primary purpose of mitigating flood risks, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 147.8 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 1998 acre-feet.

Situated on Hendricks Creek, this dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Although it is currently not rated for condition assessment, the dam has undergone inspections every five years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2017. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the structure remains a crucial component of the watershed, serving to protect the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Owned by the state of Georgia, Little Tallapoosa River Watershed Structure No. 20 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and state governments in ensuring water resource management and climate resilience. Its strategic placement and design by the SCS reflect a commitment to safeguarding the community against natural disasters, making it a vital asset in the region's water infrastructure system.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

HENDRICKS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38.4

Hydraulic Height

21.2

Nid Storage

1998

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.