S-50
S-50 is an earth dam located in St. Lucie County, Florida, built in 1961. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About S-50
The primary purpose of S-50 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 Sfwmd (local government). It impounds the Belcher Canal (c-25) near Fort Pierce.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 231 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 29 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,235 acre-feet. Completed in 1961, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 03/12/2024.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Florida |
| County | St. Lucie |
| Nearest City | Fort Pierce |
| River/Stream | Belcher Canal (c-25) |
| Coordinates | 27.45000, -80.33000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 231 ft |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,235 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,235 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 705 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 29 acres |
| Max Discharge | 4,040 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | SFWMD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 03/12/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | FL00412 |
| Federal ID | FL00412 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |