Carters Main Dam

COOSAWATTEE RIVER· Murray, Georgia· Built 1974· Rockfill·

High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Carters Main Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length	1,950 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	472.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage	383.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	3,275 acres
Drainage Area	373 sq mi
Max Discharge	18,375 cfs
Year Completed	1974 (52 years old)
NID ID	GA00821

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: May 9, 2023

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Mobile District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Carters Re-Regulation Dam

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High Hazard 52 ft

Miller-Grindley Pond Dam

Gilmer, GA

Low Hazard 30 ft

Talking Rock Creek Lake Dam

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Unknown 35 ft

Evans Lake Dam

Gordon, GA

Low Hazard 17 ft

Sallacoa Creek Watershed Dam #77

Gordon, GA

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Jack Stepp Lake Dam

Gordon, GA

Low Hazard 29 ft

Hannah Lake Dam

Gilmer, GA

Low Hazard 21 ft

Tillman Lake Dam

Pickens, GA

Low Hazard 31 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carters Main Dam?

Carters Main Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carters Main Dam?

Carters Main Dam is owned by USACE - Mobile District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carters Main Dam built?

Carters Main Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Carters Main Dam?

Carters Main Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Carters Main Dam last inspected?

Carters Main Dam was last inspected on May 9, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.