S-65a dam
S-65a
S-65a is a state-regulated dam located in Osceola, Florida, with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 81 feet in length. It has a maximum storage capacity of 2,110 acre-feet and normal storage of 1,485 acre-feet, providing flood protection to the surrounding area along the Kissimmee River (C-38).
The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. Although it is currently in a not rated condition assessment status, the dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state of Florida with enforcement and inspection protocols in place. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with no locks or outlet gates associated with the structure. Despite its age, S-65a continues to serve its purpose effectively in mitigating flood risks in the Fort Kissimmee area.
S-65a is an important piece of infrastructure in the flood risk reduction efforts in Osceola, Florida. With a history of serving its purpose since 1967, this state-regulated dam provides peace of mind to the local community in terms of flood protection along the Kissimmee River. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design and functionality of structures like S-65a is crucial in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable areas like Fort Kissimmee.
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 S-65a -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Livingston Creek Near Frostproof Fl | 15 cfs | → |
| Carter Creek Near Sebring Fl | 7 cfs | → |
| Tiger Creek Near Babson Park Fl | 20 cfs | → |
| Arbuckle Creek Nr De Soto City | 54 cfs | → |
| Blue Cypress Creek Nr Fellsmere | 29 cfs | → |
| Fish Slough Nr Basinger | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near S-65a.
Boat launches
- Florida 60 26000, Lake Wales
- 799 Lakeside Blvd, Kenansville, Fl 34739
- Starvation Slough Access Road - Ungated Okeechobee County
- 8104-8198 Arbuckle Creek Rd, Florida
- Boat Landing Road, Lake Wales
- 98 Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Town Of Kicco Campsite
- Family Campground
- River Ranch Property Owners Association
- Avon Park Af Range Military
- Kissimmee Prairie State Park
- Lake Arbuckle Co Park
Fishing spots
Track S-65a 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 S-65a
Where does the data for S-65a 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 Low 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 S-65a.