Saddle Creek Settling Area No 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Saddle Creek Settling Area No 5, located in Polk, Florida, is a private-owned dam built in 1971 primarily for tailings storage.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 55 feet and spans a length of 14,700 feet, with a storage capacity of 10,280 acre-feet. Situated along the Saddle Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

With its significant hazard potential, Saddle Creek Settling Area No 5 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan readiness, risk assessment, and management measures are not specified. The dam's strategic location and purpose highlight its importance in the local water infrastructure and warrant continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and sustainability for the surrounding communities and environment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Saddle Creek Settling Area No 5 offers a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management. Its role in tailings storage, consistent regulation by state authorities, and potential risks underscore the complex interplay between water infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety. By understanding and monitoring dams like Saddle Creek Settling Area No 5, enthusiasts can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

14700

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

SADDLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

55

Nid Storage

10280

Structural Height

46

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

55
       
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.