Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam

OHIO RIVER· Bracken, Kentucky· Built 1965· Concrete·
Significant Hazard Navigation Recreation Hydroelectric Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length2,105 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage609.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage609.8K acre-ft
Surface Area21,700 acres
Drainage Area70,808 sq mi
Max Discharge101,400 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDKY03032

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 21, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Huntington District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam?

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam?

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam is owned by USACE - Huntington District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam built?

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam?

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam last inspected?

Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks and Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2019. 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.