Appalachee Farms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Appalachee Farms Lake Dam, also known as Meeks Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Oconee, Georgia, near the city of North High Shoals.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 660 feet in length, with a capacity to store 110 acre-feet of water for recreational purposes. The dam is regulated by the state with periodic inspections conducted to ensure its safety and condition.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While it has a low hazard potential, a moderate risk assessment rating suggests the need for ongoing risk management measures. Despite not being rated for its current condition, the dam's emergency action plan status and compliance with guidelines remain unspecified. With a drainage area of 80 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, Appalachee Farms Lake Dam serves as a valuable resource for the local community's recreational activities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Appalachee Farms Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance and role in providing water storage for recreational purposes. Its location in a picturesque setting in the state of Georgia, along with its unique design features and state-regulated status, make it a compelling subject for further research and monitoring. As efforts continue to manage the dam's risk and ensure its safety, this hidden gem in Oconee County remains a vital asset for both leisure and water resource conservation.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

80

Nid Storage

110

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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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.