Riggs Lake Dam

FLOYDS FORK· Jefferson, Kentucky· Built 1930· Earth· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Riggs Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 6.5% in KY)
Dam Length480 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage78 acre-ft
Normal Storage49 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDKY00094

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: June 27, 2012
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

MATHIS, RIGGS, & PRATHER PSC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Riggs Lake Dam?

Riggs Lake 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 Riggs Lake Dam?

Riggs Lake Dam is owned by MATHIS, RIGGS, & PRATHER PSC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Riggs Lake Dam built?

Riggs Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Riggs Lake Dam?

Riggs Lake 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 Riggs Lake Dam?

Riggs Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Riggs Lake Dam last inspected?

Riggs Lake Dam was last inspected on June 27, 2012. 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.