Irvin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Irvin Lake Dam, located in Rabun County, Georgia, was completed in 1984 and serves as a recreational water resource for the area.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23 feet, with a length of 500 feet. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection dating back to 2009, and has been assigned a low hazard potential rating.

With a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 31 acre-feet, Irvin Lake Dam plays a vital role in providing water for the surrounding community. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it features uncontrolled outlet gates. While the risk assessment for the dam is considered moderate, with a rating of 3, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place.

Overall, Irvin Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Its Earth core type and buttress foundation make it a stable structure, contributing to its low hazard potential. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the presence of this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of properly managing and maintaining our water infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of our natural resources.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

60

Nid Storage

31

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.