Carters Main Dam
Carters Main Dam is a rockfill dam located in Murray County, Georgia, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Carters Main Dam
The primary purpose of Carters Main Dam 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 Usace - Mobile District (federal). It impounds the Coosawattee River near Carters.
The dam stands 464 feet tall and stretches 1,950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,275 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 472,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 373 square miles. Completed in 1974, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/09/2023.
At 464 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Murray |
| Nearest City | Carters |
| River/Stream | Coosawattee River |
| Coordinates | 34.61333, -84.67029 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 464 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 472,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 472,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 383,565 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,275 acres |
| Drainage Area | 373 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,375 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | USACE - Mobile District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 05/09/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00821 |
| Federal ID | GA00821 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |