James Robert Lake Dam dam
James Robert Lake Dam
Located in Niceville, Florida, the James Robert Lake Dam is a state-owned structure built in 1966 primarily for recreation purposes, with water supply as a secondary function. Situated on Swift Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 490 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 149 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a crucial piece of infrastructure for the region.
Despite being uncontrolled, with no spillway width specified, the James Robert Lake Dam has been deemed to have a moderate risk level, indicating the need for regular inspection and maintenance. The last recorded inspection dates back to May 1994, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unclear, its significance in providing recreational opportunities and essential water supply in the area cannot be understated.
In the care of the Florida state regulatory agencies, the James Robert Lake Dam serves as a vital link in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic location and capacity to withstand moderate risks, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of communities dependent on its services.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around James Robert Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper Creek At State Hwy 85 Nr Niceville | 78 cfs | → |
| Shoal River Nr Crestview | 590 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Milligan | 1,120 cfs | → |
| Alaqua Creek Near Pleasant Ridge | 48 cfs | → |
| Shoal River Nr Mossy Head | 95 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Nr Baker | 426 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near James Robert Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Lions Park
- East Niceville Rocky Bayou Boat Ramp
- Public Boat Ramp
- Lincoln Park Boat Ramp
- Florida Park
- Poquito Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
- Rocky Bayou State Park
- Mid Bay Shores Military
- Eglin Afb Military
- Destin Army Infantry Center Military
- Henderson Beach State Park
Fishing spots
Track James Robert Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About James Robert Lake Dam
Where does the data for James Robert Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of James Robert Lake Dam.