Barton Dam

TOWN CREEK· Nelson, Kentucky· Built 1930· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Barton Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 20.2% in KY)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDKY00617

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 5, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barton Dam?

Barton Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Barton Dam?

Barton Dam is owned by BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Barton Dam built?

Barton Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Barton Dam?

Barton Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Barton Dam?

Barton Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Barton Dam last inspected?

Barton Dam was last inspected on December 5, 2017. 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.