Tara Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Tara Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 | 26 ft (taller than 62.1% in GA) |
| Dam Length | 942 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 461 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46 acres |
| Drainage Area | 917 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | GA01217 |
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
Appling County Board of Commissioners
Local Government
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High Hazard 21 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 Appling County Board of Commissioners (Local Government). 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 1955, making it 71 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 26 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 August 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.