Payne Creek Cl-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Payne Creek Cl-5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Bowling Green, Florida, along the Little Payne Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 40 feet and a storage capacity of 12,500 acre-feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of tailings management. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been formally assessed, and its emergency action plan status is unknown.

The dam, constructed by the Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has not been modified since its completion and lacks essential features such as spillways or outlet gates. The surrounding area covers 330 acres, making it a crucial water resource in Polk County. While the dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities, its compliance with safety guidelines and emergency preparedness measures remains uncertain, raising concerns about its resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Payne Creek Cl-5 stands as a focal point for potential environmental risks and management challenges. Its location in a high-hazard area, coupled with the lack of recent assessments and emergency planning, underscores the importance of monitoring and strengthening the dam's infrastructure to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and protect vital water resources in the region. Addressing these concerns will be essential in enhancing the resilience of water infrastructure in Florida and mitigating the potential impacts of climate change on water resources.

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

LITTLE PAYNE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

330

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

12500

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

45
       
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.