Hickory Branch Dam 2, located in Highlands County, Florida, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1961 for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 345 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 2.5 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been recently assessed, with the last inspection dating back to 1994.
The dam's primary purpose of irrigation underscores its crucial role in water resource management in the Placid Lakes area. While the dam currently meets regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, its emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are lacking. Given its location on the Hickory Branch stream, a comprehensive risk management strategy and regular condition assessments could enhance the dam's resilience to climate change impacts and ensure the safety of downstream communities.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the evolving landscape of dam safety and resilience, Hickory Branch Dam 2 presents an opportunity for proactive risk mitigation and emergency preparedness efforts. With its historic significance and strategic importance for irrigation in the region, stakeholders may consider enhancing the dam's regulatory compliance, conducting regular inspections, and developing a comprehensive emergency action plan to safeguard water resources and mitigate potential risks associated with extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
HICKORY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
345 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |