West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20

WEST FORK CLARKS RIVER· Graves, Kentucky· Built 1963· Earth· 22 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 22 ft (taller than 16.8% in KY)
Dam Length1,450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage867 acre-ft
Normal Storage190 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDKY00068

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: December 13, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

GRAVES COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 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 West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 is owned by GRAVES COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 built?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 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 West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 has a dam height of 22 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 West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 last inspected?

West Fork Clarks River FRS No 20 was last inspected on December 13, 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.