Blue Ridge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blue Ridge Dam, also known as Lake Toccoa, is a Federal-owned structure located in Fannin, Georgia along the Toccoa River.


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Summary

Built in 1930 by TN Electric Power, this Earth-type dam stands at 175 feet high with a structural height of 183 feet and a length of 1000 feet. Its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, but it also serves recreational activities in the area.

Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Blue Ridge Dam has a storage capacity of 228,045 acre-feet and a surface area of 3,220 acres. With a maximum discharge of 100,000 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and Tainter radial outlet gates. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, and it has a risk assessment rating of very high, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability.

Visitors to Blue Ridge Dam can enjoy its scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities while also appreciating the role it plays in providing hydroelectric power and regulating water flow along the Toccoa River. As a key infrastructure in the region, the dam's design, construction, and operation by the TVA highlight the critical balance between water resource management and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

175

River Or Stream

TOCCOA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3220

Hydraulic Height

175

Drainage Area

232

Nid Storage

228045

Structural Height

183

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

183
       
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.