St. Lucie Lock And Dam

St. Lucie Lock And Dam is a dam located in Martin County, Florida, built in 1950. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About St. Lucie Lock And Dam

The primary purpose of St. Lucie Lock And Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Usace - Jacksonville District (federal). It impounds the St Lucie Canal near Palm City.

The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 540 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,311 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 202 square miles. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/24/2025.

At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Significant HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateFlorida
CountyMartin
Nearest CityPalm City
River/StreamSt Lucie Canal
Coordinates27.11170, -80.28516

Physical Characteristics

NID Height39 ft
Dam Length540 ft
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,311 acre-ft
Max Storage2,311 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,818 acre-ft
Drainage Area202 sq mi
Max Discharge25,600 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerUSACE - Jacksonville District
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection04/24/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDFL00425
Federal IDFL00425
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams