Hayes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hayes Dam, located in Meade, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure completed in 1952 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a dam height of 28 feet and a length of 480 feet, Hayes Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 101.2 acre-feet within its 177 acre-feet storage area. The dam is situated on the offstream of Spring Creek in Concordia, providing a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Hayes Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not been inspected since July 2007, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unknown, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

For those interested in water resource management and the environmental impact of dams, Hayes Dam offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the intersection of human engineering with natural landscapes. With its uncontrolled spillway and modest surface area of 11 acres, Hayes Dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the dynamics of dam construction, operation, and maintenance in the context of climate change and water resource sustainability.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

0.69

Nid Storage

177

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.