Butler 1 Irp dam
Butler 1 Irp
Butler 1 Irrigation Reservoir, located in Okeechobee, Florida, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation. Completed in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 6 feet and has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. Its location on the Kissimmee River makes it a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 0.18 square miles and a maximum discharge of 27 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment rating, Butler 1 Irp has not been inspected since 1994 and is currently in a condition assessment of "Not Rated." This raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of the structure, especially considering its importance for irrigation purposes in the region. With no state regulation or permitting in place, it is essential for the private owner to take proactive measures to ensure the integrity and functionality of the reservoir for the benefit of the local community and the environment.
Given its critical role in water management and agriculture in Highlands County, Florida, the Butler 1 Irp reservoir serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water use and infrastructure maintenance. With its unique design, historical significance, and strategic location along the Kissimmee River, this structure highlights the importance of proper dam management and the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the region.
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 Butler 1 Irp -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cypress Slough Near Basinger | 1 cfs | → |
| Popash Slough Nr Okeechobee | 0 cfs | → |
| Taylor Creek Nr Okeechobee | 1 cfs | → |
| Taylor Creek At Grassy Island Nr Okeechobee | 2 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek Nr Okeechobee | 1 cfs | → |
| Fish Slough Nr Basinger | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Butler 1 Irp.
Boat launches
- 65-D Access Road 570, Lorida
- Florida 70 24501, Okeechobee
- Florida 70 1970, Lake Placid
- Starvation Slough Access Road - Ungated Okeechobee County
- Boat Ramp Okeechobee
- Lake Boulevard 2000, Lorida
Campgrounds
- Yates Marsh North
- Yates Marsh South
- Chandler Slough East Campsite
- Okee-Tantie Campground And Marina
- Kissimmee Prairie State Park
- Indian Prairie Canal Ra
Fishing spots
Track Butler 1 Irp 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 Butler 1 Irp
Where does the data for Butler 1 Irp 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 Butler 1 Irp.