Nichols (W-Center) Reservoir Report

Nearby: Nichols (W)

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nichols (W-Center) is a privately owned dam located in Polk, Florida, with a primary purpose of tailings storage.


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Summary

The dam, classified as an earth dam, stands at a height of 100 feet with a hydraulic height of 95 feet and a structural height of 105 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 1,152 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 806 acre-feet, serving an area of 58 acres with a drainage area of 0.09 square miles. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 64 feet and has a significant hazard potential rating, with a very high risk assessment.

The Nichols (W-Center) dam overlooks an unnamed pond and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Florida, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. Despite being in a high-risk category, the dam's condition has not been rated, and there is no information available regarding the last inspection date or the frequency of inspections. There are no associated structures or modification years listed for the dam, indicating a need for further assessment and potential risk management measures to be put in place.

In the event of an emergency, it is unclear whether an emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated for Nichols (W-Center), raising concerns about the readiness and response capabilities in case of a breach. With a very high risk rating and significant hazard potential, it is crucial for the owners and regulators to prioritize the assessment, maintenance, and potential upgrades of this dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and water resources.

Dam Length

6653

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

UNNAMED POND

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

58

Hydraulic Height

95

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

1152

Structural Height

105

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

105
       
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.