Southern Chain Of Lakes Outfall Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Southern Chain of Lakes Outfall, also known as Pol1, is a crucial infrastructure in Polk, Florida, designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam structure spans 78 meters in length and stands at a height of 9 meters, with a hydraulic height of 6 meters. The dam has a storage capacity of 21,864 acre-feet, providing vital flood protection for the surrounding area.

Located in Wahnetta Farms Drainage Canal, this dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. Despite its importance, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2016 highlighted the need for maintenance and potential risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure.

With its controlled spillway and slide gates for outlet control, the Southern Chain of Lakes Outfall is a critical piece of infrastructure in managing water resources in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and upkeep of this dam will be essential in safeguarding the local community from flood risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Dam Length

78

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

WAHNETA FARMS DRAINAGE CANAL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4640

Hydraulic Height

6

Nid Storage

21864

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.