Bell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Matthews Lake Dam #1 Walker Dam
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Bell Lake Dam, located in Morgan, Georgia, was completed in 1973 by designer James Bell.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet for fire protection and small fish pond purposes. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam is not regulated by the state, it is inspected every five years, with the last inspection taking place in April 1989.
Situated in the Savannah District, Bell Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area. With a surface area of 3 acres and a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and providing emergency water supply for firefighting efforts. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness remain unspecified, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety and resilience of this essential infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bell Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study on the intersection of private ownership, dam safety, and environmental stewardship. As climate change brings about more frequent and severe weather events, the resilience and risk management strategies of dams like Bell Lake become increasingly important. By staying informed on the condition and maintenance of such structures, enthusiasts can contribute to the protection of water resources and the mitigation of climate-related risks in their communities.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oconee River Near Penfield
|
569cfs |
Little River Near Eatonton
|
95cfs |
Apalachee River Near Bostwick
|
120cfs |
Murder Creek Below Eatonton
|
57cfs |
Alcovy River Above Covington
|
109cfs |
Alcovy River Below Covington
|
130cfs |
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.
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