Tara Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Tara Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 | 101 ft (taller than 99.5% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 1,854 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 12.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,489 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,885 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | GA00118 |
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
Fairfield Plantation Property Owners Association
Private
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tara Lake Dam?
Tara 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 Tara Lake Dam?
Tara Lake Dam is owned by Fairfield Plantation Property Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tara Lake Dam built?
Tara Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Tara Lake Dam?
Tara Lake 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 Tara Lake Dam?
Tara Lake Dam has a dam height of 101 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 Tara Lake Dam last inspected?
Tara Lake Dam was last inspected on January 26, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.