Tolhurst Lake Dam dam
Tolhurst Lake Dam
Tolhurst Lake Dam, located in the picturesque surroundings of Tesnatee Church in White, Georgia, was designed by Dr. Tolhurst and completed in 1949. This private earth dam stands at a height of 27.8 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 76 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet. Primarily constructed for recreational purposes, the dam boasts a surface area of 5.3 acres and a length of 240 feet, offering a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Tolhurst Lake Dam has not been officially rated for its condition assessment. While state regulation and inspection are in place, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not clearly documented. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated structures or locks. Located within the Mobile District of Georgia, this hidden gem remains a tranquil spot for outdoor activities, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and engineering in water resource management.
As an integral part of the surrounding environment, Tolhurst Lake Dam serves as a testament to the balance between human intervention and natural beauty. Its historical significance, coupled with its recreational value, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in water resources and climate resilience. With its serene waters and peaceful ambiance, this private earth dam stands as a symbol of sustainable development and responsible stewardship in the face of changing climates.
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 Tolhurst Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River At Helen | 59 cfs | → |
| Chestatee River Near Dahlonega | 139 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Leaf | 153 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Cornelia | 297 cfs | → |
| Nottely River Near Blairsville | 61 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Near Clayton | 63 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Tolhurst Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Mountain Shadows Drive White County
- Morrison Moore Parkway East Dahlonega
- Hall County
- Doucette Circle 2647, 30512
- Lake Rabun Road Rabun County
- Lake Chatuge Towns County
Campgrounds
- Jenny's Creek Campground
- Yonah Mountain Campground
- Bear Ridge Group Camp
- Boggs Creek
- Desoto Falls Recreation Area
- Desoto Falls
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Martin Branch Bridge To Robertsontown Bridge On Ga Highway 356
- Old Turnpike Crossing To Martin Branch Bridge
- Mark Trail Wilderness Boundry To Old Turnpike Crossing Near Vandiver Branch
- Source Near Chattahoochee Gap To Mark Trail Wilderness Boundary
- Confluence Of Brasstown Creek And Little Brasstown Creek Just South Of Brasstown Falls Road (Fs 751) To Confluence Of Mill Branch, Brasstown Creek And Boatwright Creek Near Boatwright Road (Fs 753)
- Headwaters In Standing Indian Basin To Slackwater Of Natahala Lake
Track Tolhurst Lake 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 Tolhurst Lake Dam
Where does the data for Tolhurst Lake 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 Tolhurst Lake Dam.