Providence City Dam (Old) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Webster County, Kentucky, Providence City Dam (Old) is a historic structure built in 1930 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Sitting on Owens Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 440 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is deemed to have a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection conducted in June 2017.

Managed by the local government, Providence City Dam (Old) is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications over the years, it remains a vital structure for water resource management in the area, serving as a key component in the water supply infrastructure. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, ongoing risk management measures are in place to maintain the dam's integrity and functionality for the community's benefit.

As part of the Nashville District, Providence City Dam (Old) contributes to the water management efforts in the region, providing essential storage capacity and flood control measures. With a surface area of 5.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.07 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy. With its historical significance and continued operational importance, Providence City Dam (Old) remains a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

OWENS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.