Adams Fork Slurry Dam

Leslie, Kentucky· Earth· 480 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Adams Fork Slurry Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 480 ft (taller than 99.2% in KY)
Dam Length2,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage8.2K acre-ft
NID IDKY83530

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Shamrock Coal Company, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 130 ft

Britton Branch Refuse Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 250 ft

Robin Branch Sediment Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 92 ft

Lovely Branch Slurry Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 360 ft

Gaines Lake

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 22 ft

Bloss Branch Slurry Dam

Clay, KY

High Hazard 535 ft

Stoney Fork Slurry Dam

Bell, KY

High Hazard 264 ft

Half Mile Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 545 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Adams Fork Slurry Dam?

Adams Fork Slurry Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Adams Fork Slurry Dam?

Adams Fork Slurry Dam is owned by Shamrock Coal Company, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Adams Fork Slurry Dam?

Adams Fork Slurry Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Adams Fork Slurry Dam?

Adams Fork Slurry Dam has a dam height of 480 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.

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.