Sandy Creek Ws Structure # 12
Sandy Creek Ws Structure # 12 is an earth dam located in Jackson County, Georgia, built in 1962. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Sandy Creek Ws Structure # 12
The primary purpose of Sandy Creek Ws Structure # 12 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Oconee River Swcd Jackson County Board Of Commissioners (state). It impounds the Unknown near Nicholson.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 696 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 448 acre-feet. Completed in 1962, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/24/2017. That was 9 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.
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 | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Nicholson |
| River/Stream | Unknown |
| Coordinates | 34.14722, -83.37639 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 696 ft |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 448 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 448 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Oconee River SWCD Jackson County Board of Commissioners |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 01/24/2017 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00967 |
| Federal ID | GA00967 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |