Langdale dam
Langdale
Langdale is a picturesque hydroelectric dam located on the Chattahoochee River in Harris, Georgia. Built in 1924, this masonry dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a structural height of 150 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2646 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 142,800 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 270 acres and a drainage area of 3630 square miles, Langdale serves as a vital source of renewable energy and recreation for the surrounding community.
Owned and operated by a public utility, Langdale is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for its dam operations and inspections. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type, spans 1362 feet and contributes to its low hazard potential. Despite a moderate risk assessment rating, Langdale's emergency action plan is up to date, with the last revision in December 2020, ensuring the safety and preparedness of the dam in case of emergencies. With its historical significance and environmental impact, Langdale remains a key landmark in the region for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
The dam's location in Valley, AL adds to its accessibility for visitors looking to enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking in the area. Langdale's multi-arch design and rock foundation contribute to its structural integrity, making it a reliable source of clean energy for the region. As climate change continues to affect water resources, Langdale stands as a symbol of sustainable hydroelectric power and the importance of responsible dam management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Langdale -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River At West Point | 1,030 cfs | → |
| Yellowjacket Cr At Hammett Rd Blw Hogansville | 19 cfs | → |
| Chewacla Creek At Chewacla State Park Nr Auburn | 2 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Us 280 | 1,990 cfs | → |
| Sougahatchee Creek At Co Rd 188 Nr Loachapoka | 18 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al | 284 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Langdale .
Boat launches
- West 7th Street 199, West Point
- Dam Road Troup County
- Westpoint Road West Point
- Mcculloh Road 9001-9499, Valley
- County Road 390 Chambers County
- Abbottsford Road Troup County
Campgrounds
Track Langdale in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Langdale
Where does the data for Langdale come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Langdale .