Habersham Mill (Lower Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Habersham Mill (Lower Dam) is a privately owned concrete dam located on the Soque River in Habersham, Georgia.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this hydroelectric dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, making it a vital structure in the region's water resource management.

Despite its age, Habersham Mill (Lower Dam) is deemed to have a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in August 2017. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, contributing to its moderate risk assessment level. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains an essential component of the local water infrastructure.

With its historical significance and role in hydroelectric power generation, Habersham Mill (Lower Dam) is a noteworthy structure along the Soque River. While it is privately owned, the dam's impact on the surrounding environment and water resources is significant. Continued monitoring and maintenance of this concrete structure are essential to ensuring its safety and functionality for years to come.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SOQUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

75000

Nid Storage

103

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.