J. Stephens Lake Dam
J. Stephens Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Gilmer County, Georgia, built in 1978. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About J. Stephens Lake Dam
The primary purpose of J. Stephens Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Stephens, John (private). It impounds the Unknown.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 182 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 17 square miles. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/02/2016. That was 10 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.
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 | Gilmer |
| River/Stream | Unknown |
| Coordinates | 34.71705, -84.47837 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 182 ft |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Stephens, John |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/02/2016 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA05266 |
| Federal ID | GA05266 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |