Shillito Park Dam

SOUTH ELKHORN CREEK· Fayette, Kentucky· Built 1999· Earth· 24 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Shillito Park Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1999 and is 27 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 Height	24 ft (taller than 23.9% in KY)
Dam Length	550 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	90 acre-ft

Surface Area	6 acres
Drainage Area	0 sq mi
Year Completed	1999 (27 years old)
NID ID	KY01162

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

Last Inspection: May 29, 2024

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

LEXINGTON FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shillito Park Dam?

Shillito Park 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 Shillito Park Dam?

Shillito Park Dam is owned by LEXINGTON FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shillito Park Dam built?

Shillito Park Dam was completed in 1999, making it 27 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 Shillito Park Dam?

Shillito Park Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Shillito Park Dam?

Shillito Park Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Shillito Park Dam last inspected?

Shillito Park Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2024. 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.