Southwire Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Southwire Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 19 ft (taller than 36.5% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 387 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 81 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,016 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,199 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | GA04049 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Southwire Company
Private
Nearby Dams
Laurel Lakes Dam No. 2
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 27 ftShamrock Lake Dam
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 27 ftLower Little Tallapoosa River Watershed Structure No. 53
Carroll, GA
High Hazard 28 ftSunset Hills Country Club Lake Dam
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 20 ftLake Carroll Dam
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 25 ftHidden Lake Dam
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 22 ftLydia Walker Lake Dam
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 21 ftLower Little Tallapoosa River W/S Str. #71
Carroll, GA
Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Southwire Lake Dam?
Southwire Lake 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 Southwire Lake Dam?
Southwire Lake Dam is owned by Southwire Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Southwire Lake Dam built?
Southwire Lake Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Southwire Lake Dam?
Southwire Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Southwire Lake Dam?
Southwire Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Southwire Lake Dam last inspected?
Southwire Lake Dam was last inspected on February 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.