Mud River Frs 13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mud River FRS 13, also known as Horn Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Todd County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Constructed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in March 2017.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Mud River FRS 13 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood mitigation. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a focus on protecting the local community of Jerico and the Mud River watershed. Despite its age, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region, with moderate risk assessment and a history of regular inspections to maintain its integrity.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and historical significance of Mud River FRS 13 make it a fascinating case study in flood control and watershed management. With its association with the USDA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam showcases the collaborative efforts between government agencies and local stakeholders to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. Its location in the Nashville District and the dedication of the state agencies involved highlight the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions like Todd County, Kentucky.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

MUD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

3.36

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

38
       
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.