Buckhorn Dam

MIDDLEFORK KENTUCKY RIVER· Perry, Kentucky· Built 1960· Rockfill·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Buckhorn Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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	1,020 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	167.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage	32.1K acre-ft

Surface Area	1,230 acres
Drainage Area	408 sq mi
Max Discharge	138,000 cfs
Year Completed	1960 (66 years old)
NID ID	KY03027

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: Yes

Last Inspection: May 25, 2023

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Louisville District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Dam No. 5n

Perry, KY

Significant Hazard 51 ft

Turpin Farm Dam

Owsley, KY

Significant Hazard 26 ft

Engle Fishing Lake Dam

Leslie, KY

Low Hazard 33 ft

Dogwood Valley Lake Dam

Perry, KY

High Hazard 28 ft

River Coal Saw Branch No.2 Dam

Perry, KY

High Hazard 47 ft

Wiley Miller Dam

Perry, KY

High Hazard 68 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buckhorn Dam?

Buckhorn 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 Buckhorn Dam?

Buckhorn Dam is owned by USACE - Louisville District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buckhorn Dam built?

Buckhorn Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Buckhorn Dam?

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

When was Buckhorn Dam last inspected?

Buckhorn Dam was last inspected on May 25, 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.