Marion County Sportsmans Dam
Key Takeaway
Marion County Sportsmans Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 40 ft (taller than 72.8% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 585 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 465 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00020 |
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
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
State Government
Nearby Dams
Fagan Branch Dam
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High Hazard 78 ftGeorge Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftLankford Dam
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High Hazard 33 ftGlenn Hawkins Lake (Upper)
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Low Hazard 38 ftCaulk Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 66 ftGlenn Hawkins Lake (Lower)
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Low Hazard 25 ftMontgomery Dam
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Significant Hazard 30 ftSpurlington Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Marion County Sportsmans Dam?
Marion County Sportsmans 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 Marion County Sportsmans Dam?
Marion County Sportsmans Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Marion County Sportsmans Dam built?
Marion County Sportsmans Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Marion County Sportsmans Dam?
Marion County Sportsmans 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 Marion County Sportsmans Dam?
Marion County Sportsmans Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Marion County Sportsmans Dam last inspected?
Marion County Sportsmans Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.