Morris Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Morris Lake Dam in Laurens, Georgia is a private earth dam built by the Soil Conservation Service, with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, standing at 19 feet tall and 900 feet long, creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 160 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bay Branch and is not state regulated, but does undergo regular inspections with a low hazard potential rating.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam at Morris Lake is classified as having a moderate risk level (3). The last inspection was conducted in November 2004, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, and has not been modified in recent years. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated", the risk management measures and emergency action plans for the dam are not specified in the data. For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Morris Lake Dam, its design and recreational significance are key points of interest.
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
BAY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
6260 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River At Dublin
|
1070cfs |
Oconee River Near Oconee
|
895cfs |
Ocmulgee River At Hawkinsville
|
2110cfs |
Tucsawhatchee Creek Near Hawkinsville
|
29cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Ga 272
|
54cfs |
Oconee River At Avant Mine
|
614cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Morris Lake Dam