Martins Fork Dam

MARTINS FORK OF CUMBERLAND R.· Harlan, Kentucky· Built 1978· Gravity·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Recreation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Martins Fork Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length	504 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	21.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	3.7K acre-ft

Surface Area	340 acres
Drainage Area	56 sq mi
Max Discharge	57,000 cfs
Year Completed	1978 (48 years old)
NID ID	KY03061

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: March 28, 2019

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Nashville District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Cranks Creek Lake Dam

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 120 ft

Right Fork Dam

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 370 ft

Middleton Dam

Lee, VA

High Hazard 39 ft

Gaines Lake

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 22 ft

Beartree Branch Slurry Impoundment

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 345 ft

Ridgetop Dam

Lee, VA

Unknown 32 ft

Abner Fork Dam

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 700 ft

Blanken Dam

Lee, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Martins Fork Dam?

Martins Fork 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 Martins Fork Dam?

Martins Fork Dam is owned by USACE - Nashville District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Martins Fork Dam built?

Martins Fork Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Martins Fork Dam?

Martins Fork Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Martins Fork Dam last inspected?

Martins Fork Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2019. 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.