Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam dam
Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam
Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam, located in Beechville, Kentucky, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. Built in 1970 by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene escape for locals and visitors alike. With a dam height of 37 feet and a length of 730 feet, Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam has a storage capacity of 585 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 21.7 acres.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, this dam on Sulfur Creek has been deemed to have a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. While it has not been rated for its condition as of yet, regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in 2013. The dam also has emergency action plans in place, ensuring that the community is prepared for any unforeseen events. With its recreational purpose and commitment to safety, Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for both the environment and the community.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is imperative to recognize the significance of structures like Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam in sustaining our natural ecosystems and providing essential recreational opportunities. With its regulated design and state oversight, this dam exemplifies responsible water management practices and underscores the importance of resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. By understanding and appreciating the role of dams like this in our communities, we can work towards a more sustainable future for both our water resources and our climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Creek Near Columbia | 11 cfs | → |
| Green River At Munfordville | 259 cfs | → |
| Bacon Creek Near Priceville | 13 cfs | → |
| Salt Lick Creek Below Red Boiling Springs | 27 cfs | → |
| North Fork Nolin River At Hodgenville | 19 cfs | → |
| Nolin River At White Mills | 76 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Taylor County
- Riverbrook Trail Cumberland County
- River Road 199, Munfordville
- Cumberland County
- Beaver Creek Boat Ramp Road Barren County
- State Park Road Barren County
Track Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam
Where does the data for Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Metcalfe Cnty Lake Dam.