Nacoochee
Nacoochee is a gravity dam located in Rabun County, Georgia, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Nacoochee
The primary purpose of Nacoochee 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 near Lakemont.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 260 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 136 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/28/2023.
At 75 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 | Lakemont |
| River/Stream | Tallulah River |
| Coordinates | 34.75496, -83.50102 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 490 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 8,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 8,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 136 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/28/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00861 |
| Federal ID | GA00861 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |