Salacoa Highlands Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Salacoa Highlands Lake Dam, located in Pickens, Georgia, was completed in 1987 and serves as a recreational hub for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This private dam, with a height of 37.3 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, creates a picturesque lake with a normal storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 233 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering visitors a tranquil waterfront setting for various outdoor activities.

Managed by the Georgia Safe Dams Program, the Salacoa Highlands Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with dam regulations. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam poses moderate risks that are being actively managed through risk assessment and potential emergency action plans.

The Salacoa Highlands Lake Dam, designed by Dan McGill & Associates, stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity in creating sustainable water resources for recreational purposes. As a vital component of the local landscape, this earth dam continues to draw visitors seeking solace in its natural beauty while also highlighting the importance of responsible dam management in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

37.3

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

233

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

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.