Upper Arrowhead Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Arrowhead Lake Dam in Armuchee, Georgia, is a state-owned structure built in 1950 with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.


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Summary

The dam, made of earth with a buttress core, stands at a height of 10.8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet. It spans 633 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 72 acre-feet.

Situated on Love Joy Creek in Floyd County, the dam is regulated by the state of Georgia with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although it has not been inspected since 1984 and is not currently monitored or enforced by the state, its condition remains unrated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, highlighting its historical engineering design.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would appreciate the historical significance and modest scale of Upper Arrowhead Lake Dam, as well as its potential risk factors and lack of recent oversight. Its location within the Nashville District and its association with representative Tom Graves add an intriguing political dimension to this lesser-known Georgia landmark.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

633

Dam Height

10.8

River Or Stream

Love Joy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.8

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

632

Nid Storage

96

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.