Walnut Hill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walnut Hill Dam, also known as Greenbrier Estates Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Fayette, Kentucky, along the North Elkhorn Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 760 feet, providing a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet of water for recreational purposes. The dam's primary purpose is to support recreation activities in the area, offering a surface area of 18.2 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in August 2017. The Kentucky Division of Water regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring compliance with state regulations and enforcing necessary maintenance and safety measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, it is important for stakeholders to prioritize risk management measures to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of Walnut Hill Dam for both recreational and environmental purposes.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walnut Hill Dam serves as a valuable site for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural waterways. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, the dam represents a balance between recreational benefits and the need for responsible management to mitigate potential risks. Monitoring and investing in the maintenance of Walnut Hill Dam can not only enhance the safety of the surrounding community but also contribute to the preservation of the North Elkhorn Creek ecosystem for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

NORTH ELKHORN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.2

Drainage Area

0.77

Nid Storage

175

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.