Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam

Leslie, Kentucky· Earth· 130 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. Its primary use is water supply. 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	130 ft (taller than 94.2% in KY)
Dam Length	410 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	225 acre-ft

NID ID	KY83543

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No

State Regulated: No

Ownership

Shamrock Coal Company, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Adams Fork Slurry Dam

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High Hazard 480 ft

Stoney Fork Slurry Dam

Bell, KY

High Hazard 264 ft

Bloss Branch Slurry Dam

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High Hazard 535 ft

Britton Branch Refuse Dam

Leslie, KY

High Hazard 250 ft

Robin Branch Sediment Dam

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High Hazard 92 ft

Gaines Lake

Harlan, KY

High Hazard 22 ft

Lovely Branch Slurry Dam

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High Hazard 360 ft

Little Camp Slurry Impoundment

Bell, KY

High Hazard 320 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam?

Roark Branch Fresh Water 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 Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam?

Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam is owned by Shamrock Coal Company, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam?

Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam?

Roark Branch Fresh Water Dam has a dam height of 130 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.

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.