Goat Rock
Goat Rock is a gravity dam located in Harris County, Georgia, built in 1912. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Goat Rock
The primary purpose of Goat Rock is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Georgia Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Phenix City.
The dam stands 69 feet tall and stretches 1,433 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 960 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,535 square miles. Completed in 1912, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/21/2023.
At 69 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Georgia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Harris |
| Nearest City | Columbus, Phenix City |
| River/Stream | Chattahoochee River |
| Coordinates | 32.60960, -85.07950 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 69 ft |
| Dam Height | 69 ft |
| Dam Length | 1433.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 960 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,535 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 591,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/21/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00826 |
| Federal ID | GA00826 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |