Taylor Fork Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Minerich Dam Moss Halcomb Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Taylor Fork Lake Dam, also known as Wilgreen Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Ruthton, Madison County, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 76 feet and spans 670 feet across. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a storage capacity of 8,319.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 168.8 acres, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Despite its recreational significance, Taylor Fork Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of November 2017. The dam's inspection frequency is set at once per year, with the last inspection conducted in November 2017. The spillway, with a width of 150 feet, is uncontrolled, adding to the dam's risk profile. However, the overall risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures.
With the Kentucky Division of Water serving as the state regulatory agency for Taylor Fork Lake Dam, the structure remains under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, stakeholders and enthusiasts alike are urged to stay informed about the dam's condition and any potential risk management strategies that may be implemented.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
670 |
Dam Height |
76 |
River Or Stream |
SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
168.8 |
Drainage Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
8319.8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
76 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Taylor Fork Lake Dam