Cop North Surge Area Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Cop North Surge Area is a privately owned earth dam located in Polk, Florida, along the Orange State Canal.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this dam serves the primary purpose of tailings storage, with a structural height of 14 feet and a total length of 8580 feet. With a storage capacity of 2528 acre-feet, this low hazard potential dam covers a surface area of 2680 acres.
Despite being state-regulated and permitted, the Cop North Surge Area has not been rated for its condition assessment, and emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated. While the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, it is subject to state inspections and enforcement. Situated in a relatively remote area with no associated structures, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Cop North Surge Area will find this dam's history and design intriguing. Its location along the Orange State Canal and its purpose of tailings storage highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in Florida. With a focus on state regulation and inspection, the Cop North Surge Area serves as a key infrastructure for maintaining water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
8580 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
ORANGE STATE CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2680 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
2528 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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