Tallassee Shoals
Tallassee Shoals is a gravity dam located in Jackson County, Georgia, built in 1986. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Tallassee Shoals
The primary purpose of Tallassee Shoals 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 Oglethorpe Power Corporation (private). It impounds the Middle Oconee River near Athens.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 345 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 03/21/2023.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Athens |
| River/Stream | Middle Oconee River |
| Coordinates | 33.99153, -83.50234 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 270 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 345 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Oglethorpe Power Corporation |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/21/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00845 |
| Federal ID | GA00845 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |