Walker Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dixon City Lake Dam Watson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Walker Dam, also known as Walker Lake, is a private dam located in Fairmont, Kentucky, along Crab Orchard Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and stretches 550 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 692 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a serene setting for water enthusiasts to enjoy various activities.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Walker Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, indicating a moderate risk level. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 34 feet wide, helps manage water levels during periods of excess flow, while the surrounding area covers 63 acres with a drainage area of 2.01 square miles.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walker Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure that plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities while also managing water flow along Crab Orchard Creek. The dam's historical significance, coupled with its current regulatory oversight and risk assessment, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of both the surrounding community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
CRABORCHARD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
63 |
Drainage Area |
2.01 |
Nid Storage |
692 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
2cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6890cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Walker Dam