Wise Dam No. 1 dam
Wise Dam No. 1
Wise Dam No. 1, located in Walton, Florida, along TR-TURKEY CREEK, was completed in 1950 for the primary purpose of recreation. This private-owned earth dam stands at 17 feet high and 560 feet long, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam, with a low hazard potential, is not currently rated for its condition, but is inspected, regulated, and permitted by the state of Florida.
Despite being built over 70 years ago, Wise Dam No. 1 continues to offer recreational opportunities and irrigation benefits to the local community. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a vital part of the region's water resource management system. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates contribute to its operational design, while its location in the city of DORCAS adds to its significance as a water management structure in the area.
As a key feature in the water infrastructure of Walton County, Florida, Wise Dam No. 1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Wise Dam No. 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Shoal River Nr Mossy Head | 556 cfs | → |
| Pea River Near Samson Al | 2,980 cfs | → |
| Yellow River Nr Oak Grove | 2,160 cfs | → |
| Alaqua Creek Near Pleasant Ridge | 47 cfs | → |
| Shoal River Nr Crestview | 2,360 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Milligan | 2,370 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wise Dam No. 1.
Boat launches
- Geneva County
- County Road 2 2731, Baker
- Okaloosa County
- Live Oak Church Road, Crestview
- U.S. 90 1921, Baker
- Florida Trail Okaloosa County
Campgrounds
- Florala State Park
- Red Deer
- Speck Pond
- Jr. Walton Pond
- Open Pond Recreation Area
- Karick Lake Upper - Blackwater River State Forest
Fishing spots
Track Wise Dam No. 1 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 Wise Dam No. 1
Where does the data for Wise Dam No. 1 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 Wise Dam No. 1.