Newburgh Locks And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Newburgh Locks and Dam, located in Henderson, Kentucky, along the Ohio River, was completed in 1975 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the primary purpose of navigation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This concrete gravity dam spans 2,660 feet in length and features two locks measuring 1,200 feet in length and 110 feet in width. The dam has a hydraulic height of 48 feet and a structural height of 57 feet, with a total storage capacity of 581,600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 97,690 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential, Newburgh Locks and Dam is subject to high flood risk, prompting the USACE to implement rigorous risk management measures. This includes continual monitoring of the dam's condition, collaborating with emergency managers, updating emergency action plans, and performing maintenance and repairs as necessary to ensure the dam's structural integrity. The dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply, recreation, and navigation, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management to mitigate potential disasters and safeguard the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

2660

River Or Stream

OHIO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

16390

Length Of Locks

1200

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

97690

Nid Storage

581600

Structural Height

57

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

57
       
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.