Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7

Kentucky· Estill, Kentucky· Built 1906· 35 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 is classified as significant hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 63.7% in KY)
Dam Length260 ft
Normal Storage6.9K acre-ft
Surface Area579 acres
Drainage Area3,219 sq mi
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDKY01200

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: September 30, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 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 Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 built?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 has a dam height of 35 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 Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 last inspected?

Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 7 was last inspected on September 30, 2020. 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.