Shephard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Twin Hills Lake Stone Lea Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Shephard Dam, located in Alcovy, Georgia, was completed in 1972 and is primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 492 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, allowing for the release of excess water in times of high flow. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk.
Owned privately, Shephard Dam is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting for operation. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in August 2009. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it meets the guidelines for emergency action preparedness. The risk management measures for Shephard Dam are currently unspecified, but the dam's risk assessment suggests that proactive measures may be necessary to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.
Overall, Shephard Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Walton County, providing a surface area of 11 acres for outdoor activities. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam's earth construction and buttress core types contribute to its structural integrity. With its moderate risk level and low hazard potential, Shephard Dam remains a key feature of the local landscape, offering both leisure and potential challenges for water resource and climate enthusiasts to consider and address.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
492 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Shephard Dam