Merrifield Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merrifield Dam, located in Dorcas, Florida, along the Pine Log Creek, was completed in 1963 and serves as a recreational spot while also providing water supply.


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Summary

The dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, stands at 12 feet tall with a structural height of 9 feet and a length of 150 feet. Its maximum storage capacity is 216 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 195 acre-feet.

Owned privately, Merrifield Dam is regulated by the state of Florida and is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 1994. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam has not had any major modifications or incidents that would warrant significant risk management measures. Overall, Merrifield Dam serves as a vital resource for the community, offering both recreation and water supply benefits along the Pine Log Creek in Walton County, Florida.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

PINE LOG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

216

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.