Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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 | 25 ft (taller than 27% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00156 |
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
Stewart Creek FRS No 2
Hopkins, KY
High Hazard 32 ftStewart Creek FRS No 1
Hopkins, KY
High Hazard 29 ftNortonville Lake Dam
Hopkins, KY
High Hazard 17 ftBrowns Lake Dam
Hopkins, KY
Low Hazard 19 ftLoch Mary Reservoir Dam
Hopkins, KY
High Hazard 27 ftMadisonville Reservoir Dam No 3 (South)
Hopkins, KY
Low Hazard 30 ftMadisonville Reservoir Dam No 2
Hopkins, KY
Significant Hazard 30 ftMadisonville Reservoir Dam No 1 (North)
Hopkins, KY
Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam?
Mortons Gap 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 Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam?
Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam built?
Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam?
Mortons Gap Reservoir 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 Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam?
Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Mortons Gap Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 17, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.