Beech Fork Branch Dam

RED RIVER· Powell, Kentucky· Built 1988· Earth· 51 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Beech Fork Branch Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 years old. 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 51 ft (taller than 84.6% in KY)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area61 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1988 (38 years old)
NID IDKY01067

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
Last Inspection: October 11, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

BEECH FORK WATER DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beech Fork Branch Dam?

Beech Fork Branch 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 Beech Fork Branch Dam?

Beech Fork Branch Dam is owned by BEECH FORK WATER DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beech Fork Branch Dam built?

Beech Fork Branch Dam was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Beech Fork Branch Dam?

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

How tall is Beech Fork Branch Dam?

Beech Fork Branch Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Beech Fork Branch Dam last inspected?

Beech Fork Branch Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2023. 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.