S9 Fort Meade Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fort Meade Sa-1 Settling Area A Dike
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
S9 Fort Meade is a privately-owned earth dam located in Polk, Florida, along the banks of Little Payne Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1985, this dam stands at a height of 40 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 12,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 300 acres. The dam serves primarily for tailings retention, with a controlled spillway and a significant hazard potential due to its location and design.
Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, S9 Fort Meade undergoes regular inspections and is regulated and permitted by the state. The dam has a very high risk assessment rating, indicating the potential for severe consequences in the event of a failure. Despite its risk level, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
14000 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE PAYNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
300 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
12000 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
S9 Fort Meade