Marion County Sportsmans Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fagan Branch Dam George Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Marion County Sportsmans Dam, also known as Marion County Sportsman Club Lake, is a state-owned recreational dam located in Calvary, Kentucky.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 300 feet in length, creating a serene lake with a storage capacity of 585 acre-feet. With a surface area of 31.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.23 square miles, this dam on the Rolling Fork river offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite its scenic beauty, Marion County Sportsmans Dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, raising concerns about its safety and structural integrity. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in September 2017. While the risk assessment is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Marion County Sportsmans Dam presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of recreation and infrastructure. As a key feature in the Nashville District, this dam serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. However, its aging infrastructure and high hazard potential underscore the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management strategies to safeguard both the environment and the local community.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
ROLLING FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
585 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beech Fork At Maud
|
120cfs |
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
190cfs |
North Fork Nolin River At Hodgenville
|
5cfs |
Green River Near Mckinney
|
9cfs |
Russell Creek Near Columbia
|
48cfs |
Rolling Fork Near Boston
|
434cfs |
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.
Marion County Sportsmans Dam