Cave Run Dam dam
Cave Run Dam
Cave Run Dam, also known as Cave Run Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Farmers, Bath County, Kentucky. Completed in 1974 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this rockfill dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including recreation. With a hydraulic height of 139 feet and a structural height of 148 feet, the dam spans 2700 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 614,100 acre-feet.
The dam poses a high hazard potential, but the US Army Corps of Engineers implements risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. Regular inspections, maintenance, and monitoring activities are carried out to address any potential risks associated with the dam. Emergency action plans are in place, and the Corps collaborates with local emergency managers to raise awareness and prepare for any dam-related emergencies. Despite the moderate risk assessment, the Corps remains vigilant in managing flood risks and ensuring the dam's continued operation.
Overall, Cave Run Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. With a focus on safety and risk management, the US Army Corps of Engineers ensures the dam's structural integrity and functionality, safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential hazards.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cave Run Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Triplett Creek Near Morehead | 13 cfs | → |
| Rock Lick Cr At State Hwy 158 Nr Sharkey | 1 cfs | → |
| Slate Creek At Highway 713 Nr Mt. Sterling | 34 cfs | → |
| Red River Near Hazel Green | 10 cfs | → |
| Red River At Clay City | 45 cfs | → |
| Hinkston Creek Near Carlisle | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cave Run Dam.
Boat launches
- Twin Knobs Rowan County
- Alfrey Boat Ramp Road Rowan County
- Boat Ramp Bath County
- Warix Run Boat Dock Road Rowan County
- Clear Creek Boat Ramp Bath County
- Boat Ramp Road Menifee County
Campgrounds
- Boat Gunnel Group Campground
- Twin Knobs Recreation Area
- Twin Knobs West Group Use Area
- Twin Knobs Rec Area
- White Sulphur Horse Camp
- Zilpo Recreation Area
Fishing spots
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
- Boat Launch
Paddle runs
Track Cave Run Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Cave Run Dam
Where does the data for Cave Run Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Cave Run Dam.