Upper Shields Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Upper Shields Lake Dam, located in Chickamauga, Georgia, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 27.4 feet and a hydraulic height of 21.2 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 64.6 million gallons of water and covers a surface area of 4.9 acres. While it has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, its condition is currently not rated, and it has not been inspected since February 2018.

Despite being a privately owned structure, Upper Shields Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting. The dam does not have controlled spillways or outlet gates, posing potential challenges in managing water discharge. The surrounding area, including Walker County, Georgia, benefits from this dam for recreational activities and water storage, making it a vital resource for the local community. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change may find interest in studying the risk management measures and potential impacts of this dam on the environment and surrounding ecosystems.

Dam Length

219

Dam Height

27.4

River Or Stream

Unknown

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Hydraulic Height

21.2

Drainage Area

49.6

Nid Storage

64.6

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.