Nolin River Dam
Key Takeaway
Nolin River Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 609.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 170.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,790 acres |
| Drainage Area | 703 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 48,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | KY03011 |
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
USACE - Louisville District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Nolin River Dam?
Nolin River 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 Nolin River Dam?
Nolin River Dam is owned by USACE - Louisville District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nolin River Dam built?
Nolin River Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Nolin River Dam?
Nolin River Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Nolin River Dam last inspected?
Nolin River Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.