J.
Wind
Humidity
Stephens Lake Dam, located in Gilmer, Georgia, was completed in 1978 with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam, standing at a height of 30 feet and a length of 182 feet, holds a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1 acre. It is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type and serves as an important water resource for the area.
Maintained by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Georgia-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2016, the dam poses moderate risk and is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. Despite its risk level, J. Stephens Lake Dam remains a popular spot for recreational activities, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque surroundings in Gilmer County.
As a significant part of Georgia's water infrastructure, J. Stephens Lake Dam symbolizes the delicate balance between water resource management and recreational enjoyment. Its risk management measures and emergency preparedness efforts contribute to the safety of the surrounding community while providing a valuable space for outdoor activities and environmental appreciation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human development and natural ecosystems in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
182 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Cartecay River Near Ellijay
|
181cfs |
Coosawattee River Near Ellijay
|
311cfs |
Fausett Creek Near Talking Rock
|
19cfs |
Toccoa River Near Dial
|
279cfs |
Coosawattee River At Carters
|
460cfs |
Talking Rock Creek Near Hinton
|
84cfs |