Sharp Mountain Creek Ws Str # 13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sharp Mountain Creek WS Str # 13 is a state-owned earth dam located in Pickens, Georgia, near the COUNTY LINE COMMUNITY.


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Summary

Built in 1955 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction for the Sharp Mtn. Creek watershed. With a height of 68 feet and a length of 442 feet, it has a storage capacity of 584 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 936 square miles.

Despite its critical role in flood control, the dam is rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in March 2017 revealed the need for improvements to ensure the dam's safety and reliability. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a clear need for risk management measures to be implemented to address any potential vulnerabilities and ensure the dam's continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding community and environment from flooding events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's history, design, and current condition to be a compelling case study of the challenges and opportunities in managing our vital water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

442

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

SHARP MTN. CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

936

Nid Storage

584

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

68
       
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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.