Freeman Branch Dam

FREEMAN BRANCH· Laurel, Kentucky· Built 1977· Earth· 24 ft tall
Low Hazard Debris Control Private

Key Takeaway

Freeman Branch Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 23.9% in KY)
Dam Length380 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage87 acre-ft
Normal Storage21 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDKY00864

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 5, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

DONALD SOWDERS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Freeman Branch Dam?

Freeman Branch Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Freeman Branch Dam?

Freeman Branch Dam is owned by DONALD SOWDERS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Freeman Branch Dam built?

Freeman Branch Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Freeman Branch Dam?

Freeman Branch Dam serves the following purposes: Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Freeman Branch Dam?

Freeman Branch Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Freeman Branch Dam last inspected?

Freeman Branch Dam was last inspected on November 5, 2013. 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.