Lower Little Tallapoosa River 17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower Little Tallapoosa River 17 is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Bowdon, Georgia, and owned by the local government.


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Summary

Constructed in 1987 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 460 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1110 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.29 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding areas from potential hazards.

The dam boasts a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2591 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 130 feet wide, helps regulate water flow during heavy rainfall events. The structure's condition assessment is currently not available, but it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Despite its age, Lower Little Tallapoosa River 17 continues to serve as a key component in protecting the region from flooding and maintaining water resource sustainability.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design of Lower Little Tallapoosa River 17, which effectively manages flood risk in the Carroll County area of Georgia. With a focus on flood risk reduction, this Earth dam provides essential storage capacity of 1110 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.29 square miles. Its construction in 1987 by the USDA NRCS demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the community from potential hazards and ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the region. Through regular inspections and a controlled spillway, this dam continues to play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water resource sustainability for the local area.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

40

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Drainage Area

2.29

Nid Storage

1110

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

40
       
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.