Buhl Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buhl Lake Dam, located in Pickens, Georgia, was completed in 1987 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 54 feet and spans a length of 240 feet, with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. The dam's design features buttress core types and an uncontrolled spillway, contributing to its low hazard potential.
Despite being a private structure, Buhl Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2016. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam's overall risk management measures are not specified, presenting an area for potential improvement to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buhl Lake Dam offers an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Georgia. With its unique design features and storage capacity, the dam presents opportunities for further research and analysis in understanding the intersection of water management and infrastructure development. As efforts continue to enhance dam safety and risk management nationwide, Buhl Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
54 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Talking Rock Creek Near Hinton
|
84cfs |
Fausett Creek Near Talking Rock
|
19cfs |
Etowah River At Canton
|
666cfs |
Coosawattee River At Carters
|
460cfs |
Amicalola Creek Near Dawsonville
|
112cfs |
Coosawattee River Near Ellijay
|
311cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Buhl Lake Dam