Bear Lake Dam, located in Santa Rosa, Florida, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and is primarily used for recreation purposes, including fish and wildlife ponds.
Wind
Humidity
The dam is classified as an earth dam, with a height of 28 feet and a length of 700 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,570 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Sweetwater Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the NWFWMD, with state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Bear Lake Dam presents a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 104 feet and reaches a maximum discharge capacity of 360 cubic feet per second. While the last inspection was conducted in May 1994, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, highlighting the need for updated evaluations and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Bear Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community, offering a surface area of 56 acres and supporting various outdoor activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Bear Lake to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding environment and communities.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
SWEETWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
56 |
Drainage Area |
1.59 |
Nid Storage |
1570 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Blackwater River Nr Baker
|
112cfs |
Big Coldwater Creek Nr Milton
|
399cfs |
Blackwater River Near Bradley Al
|
55cfs |
Yellow River At Milligan
|
434cfs |
Yellow River Nr Oak Grove
|
468cfs |
Shoal River Nr Crestview
|
388cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Blackwater River State Park
|
||
Karick Lake Lower - Blackwater River State Forest
|
||
Karick Lake Upper - Blackwater River State Forest
|