Des Islet Dam

HIGHLAND CREEK· Union, Kentucky· Built 1945· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Des Islet Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 55.9% in KY)
Dam Length900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage671 acre-ft
Surface Area83 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1945 (81 years old)
NID IDKY00001

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: April 13, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Des Islet Dam?

Des Islet 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 Des Islet Dam?

Des Islet Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Des Islet Dam built?

Des Islet Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Des Islet Dam?

Des Islet 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 Des Islet Dam?

Des Islet Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Des Islet Dam last inspected?

Des Islet Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2018. 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.