Petit Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Petit Lake Dam, also known as Big Canoe, is a private-owned structure located in Jasper, Georgia, along Petit Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1972 by Baldwin and Cranston Assoc., this earth dam stands at a height of 126 feet and spans 908 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 7,500 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a serene surface area of 105 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its recreational value, Petit Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. However, as of the last inspection in January 2017, the dam was deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The Georgia-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM regulates and inspects this dam, ensuring its compliance with state safety standards. With a moderate risk level assessed, precautionary risk management measures may need to be implemented to mitigate any potential hazards.

Located in a picturesque setting in Pickens County, Petit Lake Dam serves as both a recreational spot for visitors and a vital structure for water resource management. Its historical significance, combined with its functional design, makes it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor for potential environmental impacts.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

908

Dam Height

126

River Or Stream

PETIT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

105

Drainage Area

1000

Nid Storage

7500

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

126
       
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.