West Akins Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Akins Dam, located in Polk, Florida, serves as a crucial structure for water resource management in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a length of 17,000 feet, creating a storage capacity of 10,620 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is to contain tailings, with a normal storage capacity of 7,050 acre-feet.

The dam is regulated by the state of Florida, with inspections and enforcement ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2014 deemed it satisfactory. The dam is situated on an unnamed lake, serving as a protective barrier against potential flooding and water overflow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 250 cubic feet per second.

West Akins Dam, managed by the local government, plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. Its strategic location and design contribute to the safe storage and controlled release of water, safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems from potential hazards and ensuring the sustainable utilization of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

17000

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNNAMED LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1600

Hydraulic Height

37

Nid Storage

10620

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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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.