Yonah dam
Yonah
Yonah is a hydroelectric dam located on the Tugalo River in Georgia, providing power generation, fish and wildlife conservation, and recreational opportunities. Built in 1925, this gravity dam stands at 90 feet tall and spans 980 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 10,200 acre-feet. The dam's high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment underscore the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Yonah Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 106,000 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 450 feet, the dam helps regulate water flow and prevent flooding downstream. Despite its age, Yonah Dam continues to operate efficiently, showcasing the enduring impact of sustainable hydroelectric infrastructure on both the environment and local communities.
As a key structure in the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Yonah Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate mitigation efforts. By harnessing the power of the Tugalo River for clean energy production and water conservation, Yonah contributes to a more sustainable future while also serving as a recreational destination for visitors. Its historical significance, modern functionality, and strategic importance make Yonah a valuable asset in the ongoing discussion of water resource management and climate resilience.
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 Yonah -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tallulah River Ab Powerhouse | 37 cfs | → |
| Chattooga River Near Clayton | 306 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Near Clayton | 78 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Leaf | 435 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River Near Cornelia | 1,740 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Helen | 234 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Yonah .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Yonah
Where does the data for Yonah 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 High 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 below 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.
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.