Valley Creek FRS 12

NOLIN RIVER· Hardin, Kentucky· Built 1973· Earth· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Valley Creek FRS 12 is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 37 ft (taller than 67.7% in KY)
Dam Length3,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage115 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDKY00177

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: Yes
Last Inspection: January 11, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

CITY OF ELIZABETHTOWN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Valley Creek FRS 12?

Valley Creek FRS 12 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 Valley Creek FRS 12?

Valley Creek FRS 12 is owned by CITY OF ELIZABETHTOWN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Valley Creek FRS 12 built?

Valley Creek FRS 12 was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Valley Creek FRS 12?

Valley Creek FRS 12 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 Valley Creek FRS 12?

Valley Creek FRS 12 has a dam height of 37 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 Valley Creek FRS 12 last inspected?

Valley Creek FRS 12 was last inspected on January 11, 2023. 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.