Barkley Lock and Dam
Key Takeaway
Barkley Lock and Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is navigation. 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 Length | 10,180 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 869.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57,920 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17,598 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 520,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | KY03001 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - Nashville District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barkley Lock and Dam?
Barkley Lock and 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 Barkley Lock and Dam?
Barkley Lock and Dam is owned by USACE - Nashville District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barkley Lock and Dam built?
Barkley Lock and Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Barkley Lock and Dam?
Barkley Lock and Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Barkley Lock and Dam last inspected?
Barkley Lock and Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.