Reformatory Dam

CEDAR CREEK· Oldham, Kentucky· Built 1955· Earth· 32 ft tall
Low Hazard Other State Government

Key Takeaway

Reformatory Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 55.9% in KY)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage900 acre-ft
Normal Storage600 acre-ft
Surface Area54 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDKY00007

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: September 1, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Reformatory Dam?

Reformatory 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 Reformatory Dam?

Reformatory Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Reformatory Dam built?

Reformatory Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Reformatory Dam?

Reformatory Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Reformatory Dam?

Reformatory Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Reformatory Dam last inspected?

Reformatory Dam was last inspected on September 1, 2016. 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.