Donaldson Creek Frs No 5a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Donaldson Creek FRS No 5a, located in Caldwell, Kentucky, is a flood risk reduction structure built in 1963 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 1280 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 2.08 square miles along the Donaldson Creek. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flood risks in the area, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Donaldson Creek FRS No 5a is regularly inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2013. Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unrated, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The structure is designed to release excess water through an uncontrolled spillway, ensuring controlled discharge during flood events. With its strategic location and critical role in flood risk reduction, Donaldson Creek FRS No 5a serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
This flood control structure, situated near the city of Rufus in Caldwell County, plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the Donaldson Creek. As a state-regulated and permitted facility, it reflects the collaborative efforts between local government and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to safeguard the surrounding communities from potential flooding. With its capacity to store 540 acre-feet of water and cover a surface area of 10.3 acres, Donaldson Creek FRS No 5a stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience in Kentucky's water infrastructure landscape.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1280 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
DONALDSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.3 |
Drainage Area |
2.08 |
Nid Storage |
540 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tradewater River At Olney
|
36cfs |
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
52cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Lusk Creek Near Eddyville
|
5cfs |
Clarks River At Almo
|
41cfs |
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.
Donaldson Creek Frs No 5a