Yellow Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yellow Creek Reservoir Dam, also known as Cherokee County Reservoir Lake Dam, is a vital water supply infrastructure located in Dawson, Georgia.


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Summary

Built in 1999, this earth dam stands at a height of 114 feet and has a capacity to store 13,587 acre-feet of water, serving the primary purpose of water supply for the region. With a normal storage capacity of 10,720 acre-feet and a surface area of 334 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating water scarcity issues in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, Yellow Creek Reservoir Dam is designed by Welker & Associates and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds. Despite this, the condition of the dam is assessed as satisfactory, with a moderate risk level. The dam is situated on the Yellow Creek, contributing to the drainage area of 9,728 acres, highlighting its importance in managing water resources and climate challenges in the region.

Overall, Yellow Creek Reservoir Dam stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure in Georgia, providing essential water supply services to the local community. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a key role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the area. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the safety and reliability of the dam, underscoring its importance in securing water resources for the region's future sustainability.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

114

River Or Stream

YELLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

334

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

9728

Nid Storage

13587

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

114
       
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.