Seminole Power Cooling Pond dam
Seminole Power Cooling Pond
Located in Fort Meade, Florida, the Seminole Power Cooling Pond is a privately owned Earth dam structure that was completed in 1996. With a height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, this cooling pond has a normal storage capacity of 9,720 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 11,000 acre-feet. The pond covers an area of 648 acres and is situated along the Payne Creek, making it a vital resource for water management in the region.
Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Seminole Power Cooling Pond is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state authorities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. The dam's significant hazard potential highlights the importance of regular assessments and emergency preparedness measures. Despite being designated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the cooling pond plays a crucial role in supporting water resources and climate resilience in Polk County.
With its strategic location and design features, including stone core types and soil foundations, the Seminole Power Cooling Pond serves as a vital component of water infrastructure in the area. As a private facility, it underscores the collaboration between public agencies and private entities in managing water resources effectively. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like the Seminole Power Cooling Pond play a crucial role in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Seminole Power Cooling Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Prong Alafia River Near Ft Lonesome Fl | 19 cfs | → |
| Payne Creek Near Bowling Green Fl | 9 cfs | → |
| Peace River At Bowling Green Fl | 13 cfs | → |
| Whidden Creek Near Fort Meade Fl | 6 cfs | → |
| Horse Creek Near Myakka Head Fl | 5 cfs | → |
| Little Charlie Creek Near Mouth Near Wauchula Fl | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Seminole Power Cooling Pond.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Seminole Power Cooling Pond
Where does the data for Seminole Power Cooling Pond come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.