Lake Frances Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Frances Dam, also known as Butler Dam No.


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Summary

2, is a privately owned structure located in Gadsden, Florida, near the city of Havana. Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 238 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. The dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a spillway width of 150 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 450 cubic feet per second.

The dam is regulated by the NWFWMD and undergoes regular state inspections, although its hazard potential is deemed significant. Despite being built over six decades ago, the condition assessment of Lake Frances Dam is currently not rated, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place as of the last recorded inspection in 1994. With its foundation resting on soil and core made of stone, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and supporting local wildlife in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Frances Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic structure that continues to fulfill its primary purpose despite aging infrastructure. As efforts to assess and manage the potential risks associated with the dam evolve, there is a growing need to prioritize safety measures and update emergency protocols to ensure the resilience of this vital water resource in the face of changing environmental conditions. The dam's location along the TR-OCHLOCKONEE VI LI river system adds to its significance, making it a focal point for conservation and sustainable water management initiatives in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-OCHLOCKONEE VI LI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1.87

Nid Storage

238

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.