Big T Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big T Pond Dam, located in Effingham, Georgia, was completed in 1982 and serves as a recreational resource for water enthusiasts in the area.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and managed, with a primary purpose of providing recreation opportunities for visitors. Standing at a height of 17 feet and with a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, the dam offers a serene 11-acre surface area for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Constructed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), Big T Pond Dam is classified as an Earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed as having a moderate risk level. With a drainage area of 1200 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, the dam provides a vital water resource for the surrounding ecosystem. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety for both recreational users and the environment.

Although the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it has not undergone any major modifications since its completion. The risk management measures for Big T Pond Dam are not specified, but the dam is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans. With its picturesque setting and important role in water resource management, Big T Pond Dam stands as a valuable asset for both recreation and environmental conservation in Effingham, Georgia.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

1200

Nid Storage

119

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.