Tugalo Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tugalo, a gravity dam completed in 1923, stands as a testament to Georgia's hydroelectric power generation capabilities.


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Summary

Located in the Tallulah River in Habersham County, the dam has a structural height of 155 feet and a length of 830 feet, providing a storage capacity of 43,000 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, Tugalo also serves recreational and fish and wildlife pond purposes.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Tugalo Dam has a controlled spillway width of 357 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 97,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is rated as high, with a very high risk assessment score of 1. While the condition assessment is not available, the emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2020, ensuring preparedness for any potential emergencies.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Madison SC, Tugalo Dam stands as a historic landmark in Georgia's water resource management infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact the region, the importance of maintaining and monitoring this vital hydroelectric facility for both energy production and environmental conservation cannot be overstated.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

155

River Or Stream

Tallulah River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

597

Hydraulic Height

155

Drainage Area

464

Nid Storage

43000

Structural Height

155

Outlet Gates

Flap - 14

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

155
       
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.