M-4 Dam

PALATLAKAHA RIVER· Lake, Florida· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

M-4 Dam is classified as significant hazard in Florida. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 40.8% in FL)
Dam Length135 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage12.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.8K acre-ft
Surface Area1,267 acres
NID IDFL20503

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 25, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: FDEP

Ownership

LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

M-1

Lake, FL

Low Hazard 16 ft

M-5 Dam

Lake, FL

Significant Hazard 11 ft

M-6a

Lake, FL

Low Hazard 15 ft

Villa City Dam

Lake, FL

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Harris Bayou Inlet Structure

Lake, FL

High Hazard 12 ft

Cherry Lake Outlet

Lake, FL

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Wc-4 Water Control Structure

Sumter, FL

Low Hazard 9 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of M-4 Dam?

M-4 Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates M-4 Dam?

M-4 Dam is owned by LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of M-4 Dam?

M-4 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is M-4 Dam?

M-4 Dam has a dam height of 17 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was M-4 Dam last inspected?

M-4 Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.