Cartecay River Ws Str # 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Gilmer, Georgia, the Cartecay River WS Str # 5 is a state-owned dam primarily designed for flood risk reduction on Stover Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and spans 518 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1472 acre-feet. Despite its critical purpose, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition and has a high hazard potential, prompting a biennial inspection schedule to ensure public safety.

With a drainage area of 2860 acres, the Cartecay River WS Str # 5 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting downstream communities from flooding. However, its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates pose challenges in effectively controlling water discharge during heavy rainfall events. Despite the moderate risk assessment, the dam's deteriorating condition raises concerns about its long-term effectiveness in flood control. As the designated state regulatory agency, the Georgia SAFE DAMS PROGRAM oversees permitting, inspection, and enforcement to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam's operation.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

518

Dam Height

70

River Or Stream

STOVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

2860

Nid Storage

1472

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

70
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.