Mud River Mps 51 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mud River Mps 51, also known as Lake Malone, is a state-owned dam located in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
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Summary
Built in 1961 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA/NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 56 feet and stretches 610 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 31,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Mud River Mps 51 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being assessed as in fair condition in 2018, the dam has a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. With a spillway width of 82 feet and a drainage area of 28.5 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks along the Mud River.
As an essential piece of infrastructure in the region, the Mud River Mps 51 contributes to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Kentucky. Its strategic location and design make it a key player in protecting local communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
MUD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
826 |
Drainage Area |
28.5 |
Nid Storage |
31000 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Green River At Paradise
|
1890cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
39cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2370cfs |
Caney Creek Near Horse Branch
|
38cfs |
Barren River At Bowling Green
|
317cfs |
West Fork Drakes Creek Near Franklin
|
24cfs |
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.
Mud River Mps 51