Upper Haig Mill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Upper Haig Mill Lake Dam, located in Whitfield, Georgia, serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Haig Mill Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 793 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2607 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5286 acres, the dam provides critical protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM, Upper Haig Mill Lake Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety. The dam has a high hazard potential but was rated as satisfactory in its last condition assessment conducted in 2017. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the Dalton suburbs and the surrounding community from the impacts of extreme weather events and rising water levels.

With its strategic location and importance in flood risk reduction, Upper Haig Mill Lake Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between public utilities and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and resilience of water resources in Georgia. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management, the dam serves as a beacon of preparedness and proactive risk management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

793

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

HAIG MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

63

Drainage Area

5286

Nid Storage

2607

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.