Hickory Brch Dm1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hickory Branch Dam 1, located in Highlands County, Florida, was completed in 1957 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

It is a privately owned Earth dam with a height of 11 feet and a length of 290 feet, providing a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the state of Florida and has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Hickory Branch Dam 1 has uncontrolled spillways and outlets, with a drainage area of 2.5 square miles. Despite its age, the dam has not been assessed for condition since 1994 and does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place. The dam is in a moderate risk category, highlighting the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for irrigation purposes.

In the event of a breach or failure, Hickory Branch Dam 1 could pose a moderate risk to downstream areas. With its limited inspection history and lack of recent assessments, there is a need for increased monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. As a vital water resource for the surrounding area, ensuring the safety and reliability of this dam is crucial for both water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

HICKORY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

85

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.