Bartletts Ferry, Main Dam
Bartletts Ferry, Main Dam is a gravity dam located in Harris County, Georgia, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Bartletts Ferry, Main Dam
The primary purpose of Bartletts Ferry, 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 Georgia Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Chattahoochee near Columbus.
The dam stands 150 feet tall and stretches 3,786 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5,850 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 183,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,260 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 05/13/2025.
At 150 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 | Harris |
| Nearest City | Columbus |
| River/Stream | Chattahoochee |
| Coordinates | 32.66300, -85.09080 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 150 ft |
| Dam Height | 150 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,786 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 183,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 183,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 183,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,850 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,260 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 530,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 05/13/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00830 |
| Federal ID | GA00830 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |