Lower Berea Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Height | 44 ft (taller than 78.7% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 385 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 267 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00072 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Berea Municipal Utilities
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Lower Berea Reservoir Dam?
Lower Berea Reservoir 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 Lower Berea Reservoir Dam?
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam is owned by Berea Municipal Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Berea Reservoir Dam built?
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Lower Berea Reservoir Dam?
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower Berea Reservoir Dam?
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Lower Berea Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Lower Berea Reservoir Dam was last inspected on January 31, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.