Posey Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Posey Lake Dam, located in Rabun, Georgia, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet, creating a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Shoemaker Branch and has a spillway type of uncontrolled, indicating a potential risk if the water level exceeds the dam's capacity.

Despite being privately owned, Posey Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Georgia Safe Dams Program, ensuring regular state inspections and enforcement of safety measures. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, with limited information available on its condition assessment and hazard potential. With a drainage area of 315 acres and a normal storage capacity of 13 acre-feet, Posey Lake Dam serves as a significant water resource for the region while also providing recreational opportunities for visitors.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Posey Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its unique design and location in the picturesque landscape of Rabun, Georgia. The dam's presence on Shoemaker Branch adds to the diversity of water bodies in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for both safety and environmental preservation.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

SHOEMAKER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

315

Nid Storage

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.