H.R. Ash Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

H.R.


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Summary

Ash Dam, located in Escambia, Florida, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS primarily for recreational purposes, including fish and wildlife pond activities. Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 650 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. With a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 0.27 square miles, the dam's maximum discharge capacity reaches 495 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway 35 feet wide.

Despite its high hazard potential, H.R. Ash Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of May 2014, with a moderate risk rating of 3. The structure is regulated by the NWFWMD and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness and response. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and conservation of this recreational water feature may find H.R. Ash Dam an intriguing case study for examining the intersection of private ownership, public regulation, and environmental stewardship in dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

NOT ON OR NEAR STRM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

81

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.