Lake Arrowhead Dam

LOST TOWN CREEK· Cherokee, Georgia· Built 1974· Earth· 107 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Arrowhead Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Height 107 ft (taller than 99.6% in GA)
Dam Length1,982 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage25.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage13.7K acre-ft
Surface Area450 acres
Drainage Area5,472 sq mi
Max Discharge25,731 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDGA02364

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: March 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

Purcell Company, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Arrowhead Dam?

Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead Dam?

Lake Arrowhead Dam is owned by Purcell Company, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Arrowhead Dam built?

Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead Dam?

Lake Arrowhead Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Arrowhead Dam?

Lake Arrowhead Dam has a dam height of 107 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Lake Arrowhead Dam last inspected?

Lake Arrowhead Dam was last inspected on March 10, 2020. 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.