Middle Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Middle Lake Dam, located in Tampa, Florida, stands as a significant structure along Cypress Creek, offering recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam, with a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, provides a storage capacity of 211 acre-feet and a surface area of 32 acres. The dam's spillway, measuring 56 feet wide, is uncontrolled, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.

With a fair condition assessment as of March 2016, Middle Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for continued monitoring. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring compliance with state guidelines and regulations to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation and maintenance.

Middle Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational asset within the Hillsborough County area, offering a serene oasis for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its strategic location and design play a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting the surrounding ecosystem, making it a key feature in the local landscape. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, Middle Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Dam Length

91

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

211

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.