Nichols N-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nichols N-4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Polk, Florida, along the Alafia River.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a storage capacity of 30,000 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 10,300 acre-feet. With a surface area of 500 acres, this dam serves the primary purpose of tailings containment, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Nichols N-4 has not been rated for its condition assessment, and key emergency preparedness measures such as the existence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated inundation maps are currently not in place. The dam's inspection frequency is listed as 0, raising concerns about the monitoring and maintenance of this critical water resource infrastructure. Given its location and storage capacity, ensuring the safety and integrity of Nichols N-4 is essential for mitigating potential risks and safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to advocate for the proper regulation, inspection, and maintenance of dams like Nichols N-4 to prevent potential disasters and protect water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. By promoting transparency, accountability, and proactive risk management measures for dams across the country, we can contribute to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience for future generations.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

11880

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

ALAFIA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

500

Hydraulic Height

60

Nid Storage

30000

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

60
       
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.