Cave Run Dam

LICKING RIVER· Bath, Kentucky· Built 1965· Rockfill·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Cave Run Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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	2,700 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	614.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	222.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	8,270 acres
Drainage Area	826 sq mi
Max Discharge	158,000 cfs
Year Completed	1965 (61 years old)
NID ID	KY03055

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: June 28, 2022

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Louisville District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Spring Grove Lake

Bath, KY

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Salt Lick Creek MPS 3

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High Hazard 49 ft

Morehead Farms Dam

Rowan, KY

Low Hazard 42 ft

Salt Lick Creek Watershed FRS 4

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Clements Lake Dam

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Salt Lick Creek FRS No 5

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High Hazard 34 ft

Olympian Springs Dam

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Low Hazard 25 ft

Lonnie Gregory Lake Dam

Fleming, KY

Low Hazard 33 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cave Run Dam?

Cave Run 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 Cave Run Dam?

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

When was Cave Run Dam built?

Cave Run 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 Cave Run Dam?

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

When was Cave Run Dam last inspected?

Cave Run Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2022. 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.