Structure P-3
Structure P-3 is a concrete dam located in Polk County, Florida, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Structure P-3
The primary purpose of Structure P-3 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 P-3 Canal near Auburndale.
The dam stands 18 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 764 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,460 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/15/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Florida dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Florida |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Auburndale |
| River/Stream | P-3 Canal |
| Coordinates | 28.09206, -81.80914 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 7 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,460 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,460 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6,112 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 764 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | SWFWMD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/15/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | FL12011 |
| Federal ID | FL12011 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |