Carter Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carter Lake Dam #2 Visscher Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Carter Lake Dam #1, located in Morgan, Georgia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 28 feet with a length of 355 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres. The dam is categorized as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment, indicating a need for risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Built by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and falling under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia, Carter Lake Dam #1 has not been state regulated or permitted, but is subject to regular state inspections. The last recorded inspection was conducted in 1989, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. Despite its age, the dam's condition is currently marked as "Not Rated," suggesting a need for updated assessments to ensure its structural integrity and safety for both the surrounding environment and recreational activities.
With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Carter Lake Dam #1 poses a moderate risk due to its outdated inspection records and lack of a current condition assessment. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, it is crucial for owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Carter Lake Dam #1 to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of communities and ecosystems downstream.
Dam Length |
355 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
506cfs |
Little River Near Eatonton
|
101cfs |
Apalachee River Near Bostwick
|
137cfs |
Murder Creek Below Eatonton
|
60cfs |
Alcovy River Above Covington
|
121cfs |
Alcovy River Below Covington
|
150cfs |
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.
Carter Lake Dam #1