Morgans Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morgans Pond Dam in Effingham, Georgia, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, having been completed in 1926 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 205 acre-feet and a normal storage of 154 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 600 feet and is situated on the Horning Swamp, contributing to a surface area of 12 acres.

Despite being privately owned and not federally regulated, Morgans Pond Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated" and the last inspection conducted in March 2016, the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently unspecified. The dam's design as a buttress earth structure with uncontrolled spillways and outlets adds to its historical and recreational significance within the MORGANS POND ENVIRONS.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Morgans Pond Dam offers a glimpse into Georgia's early water management practices and the delicate balance between preservation and recreation. The dam's location on the Horning Swamp, its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, and its moderate risk level present opportunities for further study and monitoring in the context of changing climate patterns and evolving dam safety protocols. As a privately owned structure with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Morgans Pond Dam invites exploration and appreciation for its engineering marvels and environmental impact in the Effingham County landscape.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

HORNING SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

205

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.