Nelson Dam dam
Nelson Dam
Nelson Dam, located in Harris, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Built in 1956 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 24.8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19 feet. With a storage capacity of 73.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.9 acres, Nelson Dam serves as a picturesque spot for outdoor activities in the MT MORIAH CHURCH ENVIRONS.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Nelson Dam has not been rated for its condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, and has not undergone any modifications in recent years. While it is not regulated by the state and does not have a designated emergency action plan, it remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking recreational opportunities in a natural setting.
With its tranquil surroundings and historical significance, Nelson Dam offers visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of Georgia's water resources while enjoying outdoor activities. Whether it's fishing, boating, or simply taking in the scenic views, this dam provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore the intersection of water management and climate considerations in a private, yet accessible, setting.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Nelson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River At West Point | 1,030 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Us 280 | 1,990 cfs | → |
| Upatoi Creek Near Columbus | 143 cfs | → |
| Uchee Creek Near Fort Mitchell | 66 cfs | → |
| Yellowjacket Cr At Hammett Rd Blw Hogansville | 17 cfs | → |
| Chewacla Creek At Chewacla State Park Nr Auburn | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nelson Dam.
Boat launches
- Mcculloh Road 9001-9499, Valley
- West 7th Street 199, West Point
- Dam Road Troup County
- Westpoint Road West Point
- County Road 390 Chambers County
- Pyne Road Park Mega Ramp
Track Nelson Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Nelson Dam
Where does the data for Nelson Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Nelson Dam.