Valley Creek Frs 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Valley Creek FRS 8, also known as Valley Lake, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Hardin, Kentucky.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and has a length of 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 6000 acre-feet. Completed in 1969, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Valley Creek.

The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the structure has a spillway width of 160 feet and a drainage area of 9.22 square miles. Despite its age, Valley Creek FRS 8 continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from the impacts of flooding.

Valley Creek FRS 8's design was executed by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA/NRCS, and is part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's portfolio. With its strategic location in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, this flood risk reduction structure remains a vital component of water resource management in the region, serving as a testament to the commitment to safeguarding communities against the adverse effects of climate variability.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

VALLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46.2

Drainage Area

9.22

Nid Storage

6000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.