Sampson Dam No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sampson Dam No.1, located in Walton County, Florida, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1975.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, fish and wildlife pond, and recreation. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 675 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 347 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres, making it an important water resource in the area.

The dam is regulated by the NWFWMD and is used for recreational activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway of Sampson Dam No.1 is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during heavy rainfall events. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in May 1994, and it is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Sampson Dam No.1 to be an interesting site to study and explore. Its importance in providing water for various purposes, as well as its recreational value, make it a significant feature in the local ecosystem. Understanding the design, structure, and maintenance of the dam can provide valuable insights into water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-HUCKLEBERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

347

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.