P-5
P-5 is a concrete dam located in Polk County, Florida, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About P-5
The primary purpose of P-5 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 Swfwmd (local government). It impounds the P5 Canal near Winter Haven.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 60 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 861 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,312 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 12/13/2024.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Florida |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Winter Haven |
| River/Stream | P5 Canal |
| Coordinates | 28.07000, -81.66000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Length | 60 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12,312 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12,312 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,166 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 861 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 450 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | SWFWMD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 12/13/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | FL12012 |
| Federal ID | FL12012 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |