Lower Taylor Lake Dam No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Taylor Lake Dam No.


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Summary

2, located in Habersham, Georgia, was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam, designed by S. A. Taylor, is an earth-type structure with a core type of buttress and stands at a height of 27 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a normal storage of 42 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4 acres.

While the hazard potential is rated as low, the risk assessment for Lower Taylor Lake Dam No. 2 is moderate (3), highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Inspected as recently as August 2017, the dam has not been rated for its condition. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam remains a key feature in the Smith Island (Environs) area for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Overall, Lower Taylor Lake Dam No. 2 offers a glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and natural landscapes, providing both recreational opportunities and potential risks that must be managed with care. As part of the Mobile District in Georgia, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.