Saddle Dam A
Saddle Dam A is an earth dam located in Rabun County, Georgia, built in 1925. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Saddle Dam A
The primary purpose of Saddle Dam A 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 Tallulah River.
The dam stands 78 feet tall and stretches 370 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 834 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 31,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1925, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/29/2023.
At 78 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Rabun |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Tallulah River |
| Coordinates | 34.77156, -83.41845 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 78 ft |
| Dam Height | 78 ft |
| Dam Length | 370 ft |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 31,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 31,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 27,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 834 acres |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/29/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00856 |
| Federal ID | GA00856S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |