Demorest Lake Dam, located in Habersham County, Georgia, was completed in 1880 and serves as a recreational structure along Hazel Creek.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 22 feet and a length of 289 feet, this buttress dam provides a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 17 acres. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering locals and visitors a serene spot to enjoy the water and surrounding natural beauty.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Demorest Lake Dam poses a moderate risk according to its hazard potential assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with an undetermined condition assessment and no established emergency action plan. While the risk level is considered moderate, the overall risk management measures and preparedness for potential incidents are currently unspecified, leaving room for improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of the dam structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Demorest Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with recreational significance. Its location within the Hazel Creek watershed and the surrounding landscape of Habersham County offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. As efforts to assess and mitigate risks associated with aging dams continue to evolve, understanding the history and current state of dams like Demorest Lake Dam can provide valuable insights into the broader challenges of managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1880 |
Dam Length |
289 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
HAZEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
4353 |
Nid Storage |
147 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Chattahoochee River Near Cornelia
|
399cfs |
Chattahoochee River Near Leaf
|
230cfs |
Tallulah River Ab Powerhouse
|
45cfs |
Chattahoochee River At Helen
|
86cfs |
Chattooga River Near Clayton
|
301cfs |
Tallulah River Near Clayton
|
152cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Russell
|
||
Lake Russell Recreation Area
|
||
Toccoa Falls College RV Park
|