Unicoi State Park Lake Dam dam
Unicoi State Park Lake Dam
Unicoi State Park Lake Dam, located in White, Georgia, was completed in 1955 and stands at a height of 75 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation and holds a normal storage capacity of 378 acre-feet in its 49-acre surface area. The dam is situated on Smith Creek and is owned and regulated by the State of Georgia through the GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.
With a high hazard potential but moderate risk assessment, Unicoi State Park Lake Dam poses a significant but manageable risk to the surrounding area. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates indicate a need for careful monitoring and emergency preparedness, despite its overall satisfactory condition. The Department of Transportation was the designer of this earth dam on rock foundations, providing essential recreational opportunities while safeguarding against potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Unicoi State Park Lake Dam represents a vital piece of Georgia's infrastructure, offering both recreational enjoyment and a crucial role in water management. As part of the state's commitment to dam safety, regular inspections and enforcement ensure the dam's continued functionality and safety for both residents and visitors. With its picturesque location and important regulatory oversight, Unicoi State Park Lake Dam is a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and public safety.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Unicoi State Park Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River At Helen | 51 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Leaf | 143 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Cornelia | 280 cfs | → |
| Nottely River Near Blairsville | 54 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Near Clayton | 75 cfs | → |
| Chestatee River Near Dahlonega | 135 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Unicoi State Park Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Unicoi State Park Lake Dam
Where does the data for Unicoi State Park Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.