Taylor Fork Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Taylor Fork Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 76 ft (taller than 92.2% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 169 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00048 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
MADISON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Taylor Fork Lake Dam?
Taylor Fork Lake 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 Taylor Fork Lake Dam?
Taylor Fork Lake Dam is owned by MADISON COUNTY FISCAL COURT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Taylor Fork Lake Dam built?
Taylor Fork Lake Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Taylor Fork Lake Dam?
Taylor Fork 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 Taylor Fork Lake Dam?
Taylor Fork Lake Dam has a dam height of 76 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 Taylor Fork Lake Dam last inspected?
Taylor Fork Lake Dam was last inspected on January 25, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.