Lake Warner Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Warner Dam, located in Tallahassee, Florida, was completed in 1951 and is primarily used for recreation, specifically for fishing and wildlife pond activities.


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Summary

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is an earth dam with a height of 12 feet and a length of 450 feet, creating a surface area of 5 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and permitted by the NWFWMD, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Lake Warner Dam poses potential risks that are closely monitored by regulatory agencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and outlet gates equipped with Tainter (radial) mechanisms. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified in the available data. Despite these uncertainties, the dam remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational opportunities in the Leon County area.

Overall, Lake Warner Dam serves as a vital water resource and recreational hub in the Tallahassee region, offering a tranquil setting for fishing, wildlife observation, and other outdoor activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the dam's maintenance and risk management will be crucial in ensuring the safety of nearby communities and preserving the ecological integrity of the surrounding area. With its scenic location and important role in water management, Lake Warner Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human activities and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNNAMED STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.28

Nid Storage

50

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.