High Shoals Earth Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

High Shoals Earth Dam, located in High Shoals, Georgia, is a privately owned rockfill dam on the Apalachee River, completed in 1990 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 350 feet, with a storage capacity of 182 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which also conducts inspections.

High Shoals Earth Dam has a surface area of 40.5 acres and serves as a key component in the local water resource management system, contributing to the overall drainage area of 151 square miles. The dam does not have a spillway, and its associated structures include GA00843 and GA00843S002. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam has a risk assessment rating of high (2), indicating potential risks that may require further risk management measures in the future.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, High Shoals Earth Dam serves as an intriguing case study in the intersection of hydroelectric power generation, dam infrastructure, and environmental risk management. With its location in Walton County, Georgia, this dam stands as a testament to the complex challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Apalachee River

Surface Area

40.5

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

151

Nid Storage

182

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.