Ellijay River Ws Str # 9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ellijay River WS Str # 9 is a state-regulated earth dam located in Gilmer, Georgia, designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Rock Creek, with a height of 68 feet and a length of 407 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1,859 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4,290 acres.

Despite its important role in mitigating flood risks, Ellijay River WS Str # 9 has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed its structural deficiencies, prompting concerns about its ability to withstand potential emergencies. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as moderate, indicating a level 3 risk that requires attention and potential risk management measures to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding area.

Given its critical function in flood risk reduction, Ellijay River WS Str # 9 underscores the importance of ongoing inspections, maintenance, and potential rehabilitation efforts to address its poor condition and high hazard potential. With a focus on risk management and adherence to regulatory guidelines, this dam serves as a reminder of the essential role that infrastructure plays in water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

407

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

4290

Nid Storage

1859

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

68
       
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.