Paradise Dam

TR-ROLLING FORK· Hardin, Kentucky· Built 1963· Earth· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Paradise Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 2.5% in KY)
Dam Length850 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage145 acre-ft
Normal Storage88 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDKY00563

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 12, 2007
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

TOM DONES

Private

Nearby Dams

Lebanon Junction Lake Dam

Bullitt, KY

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Monterra Dam

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Eagle Lake Dam

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Crescendo Camp Lake Dam

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Jim Beam No 3

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Timber Trails Lake Dam

Nelson, KY

Significant Hazard 22 ft

Hurricane Lake Dam

Nelson, KY

Significant Hazard 45 ft

Scuffletown Hollow Dam

Bullitt, KY

Low Hazard 38 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paradise Dam?

Paradise Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Paradise Dam?

Paradise Dam is owned by TOM DONES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Paradise Dam built?

Paradise 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 Paradise Dam?

Paradise 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 Paradise Dam?

Paradise Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Paradise Dam last inspected?

Paradise Dam was last inspected on July 12, 2007. 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.