Habersham Mills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Habersham Mills Lake Dam, located in Clarkesville, Georgia, is a privately owned structure designed by Habersham Mills and completed in 1947.


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Summary

Situated on the Soque River, this gravity dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 525 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1280 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves a hydroelectric purpose and is regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Habersham Mills Lake Dam poses a significant risk to surrounding areas in the event of a failure. Despite this, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in 2016. While the dam is uncontrolled in terms of spillway type and outlet gates, it is subject to regular state inspection and enforcement to ensure public safety. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Habersham Mills Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of the intersection between infrastructure, environmental impact, and regulatory oversight in the management of water resources.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

SOQUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

92

Drainage Area

73000

Nid Storage

1280

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.