Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture dam
Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture
Lake Gibson Water Conservation Structure, located in Polk, Florida, is a state-regulated dam designed for flood risk reduction along the Lake Gibson river. This Earth-type dam stands at 11 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 4032 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 724 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 490 acres and has a controlled spillway with a width of 31 feet.
Managed by the state of Florida, this structure also serves recreational and water supply purposes in addition to flood risk reduction. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition according to its last inspection in April 2016. With a risk assessment rating of very high (1), the dam is equipped with a slide gate outlet and undergoes regular state-permitted inspections, enforcement, and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the Lake Gibson Water Conservation Structure's significant role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its strategic location in the city of Lakeland, combined with its multi-arch core design and rock-soil foundation, showcases the innovative engineering behind this essential water management infrastructure. As a key component of the Jacksonville District's water resource management efforts, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water conservation practices in the face of climate change challenges.
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.
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 Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Parker Outlet At Lakeland Fl | 1 cfs | → |
| Saddle Creek At St.Hwy 542 Near Lakeland Fl | 1 cfs | → |
| Fox Branch Near Socrum | 2 cfs | → |
| Banana-Hancock Canal Nr Highland City | · | → |
| Saddle Creek At State Hwy 570 Near Eaton Park Fl | 2 cfs | → |
| Lake Lena Run Near Auburndale Fl | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture.
Boat launches
- North Socrum Loop Road 4920, Lakeland
- Tenoroc Trail Auburndale
- Granada Street 648-998, Lakeland
- North Combee Road 2701-3305, Lakeland
- East Memorial Boulevard 1800, Lakeland
- Lake Bonny Drive East 101-199, Lakeland
Campgrounds
- Saddle Creek County Park
- Gator Hole Primative Camp Site
- Hillsborough River State Park
- Edward Medard
- Wallaby Ranch (Can Camp If Hangliding)
- Withlacoochee River Park
Fishing spots
Track Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture
Where does the data for Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture 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 High 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Gibson Water Conservation Strucuture.