Santa Fe River Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Santa Fe River Ranch Dam, located in Alachua County, Florida, was completed in 1963 and serves as a private structure regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a length of 490 feet, with a primary purpose of recreation. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 244 acres, the dam is designed to control the flow of Reeves Branch, a tributary of the Santa Fe River. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated, and no emergency action plan has been prepared.

Managed by private owners, the Santa Fe River Ranch Dam is situated in a picturesque setting near High Springs, Florida, where it provides opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The dam's location in S2 T7S R18E offers visitors a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area while enjoying the reservoir created by the structure. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, its low hazard potential indicates a relatively low risk to downstream communities in case of a failure.

As a vital component of the local water resource management system, the Santa Fe River Ranch Dam contributes to the overall water supply and recreational opportunities in the region. While the dam's condition assessment is pending, its presence underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring these structures to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of the Santa Fe River Ranch Dam in balancing water control and recreational use in the beautiful landscape of Alachua County, Florida.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

REEVES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

244

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds