Bird Branch Holding Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Bird Branch Holding Pond, located in Nichols, Florida, is a privately owned water resource designed for tailings storage.


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Summary

This earth dam structure, completed in 1971, stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 880 acre-feet. With a surface area of 44 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 550 cubic feet per second, this pond plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the Jacksonville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bird Branch Holding Pond boasts a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam remains structurally sound, with regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement ensuring its safety and functionality. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role this pond plays in maintaining ecological balance and supporting water management efforts in Polk County, Florida.

With its strategic location along the Bird Branch stream, this holding pond serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure. As it continues to fulfill its primary purpose of tailings storage, the Bird Branch Holding Pond stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the importance of maintaining and regulating essential water structures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BIRD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

880

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.