Valley Creek Frs 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Valley Creek FRS 3, also known as Trooper Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Hardin, Kentucky.
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Summary
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, this earth dam was completed in 1972 and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Nolin River. With a dam height of 46 feet and a storage capacity of 2070 acre-feet, Valley Creek FRS 3 covers a surface area of 12.9 acres and has a drainage area of 1.84 square miles.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2018, Valley Creek FRS 3 poses a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 40 feet wide, helps manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), the dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from flooding. Emergency action plans are in place, although they may need updating to meet current guidelines.
Valley Creek FRS 3 is a crucial infrastructure for flood risk management in the region, serving as a key component of the local government's efforts to protect communities along the Nolin River. With its strategic location, storage capacity, and hazard potential, this earth dam requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to effectively mitigate the risks associated with potential flooding events. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Valley Creek FRS 3 to be a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and flood risk reduction efforts in Kentucky.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
NOLIN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.9 |
Drainage Area |
1.84 |
Nid Storage |
2070 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rolling Fork Near Boston
|
449cfs |
North Fork Nolin River At Hodgenville
|
6cfs |
Nolin River At White Mills
|
135cfs |
Long Lick At Clermont
|
1cfs |
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
177cfs |
Salt River At Shepherdsville
|
716cfs |
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.
Valley Creek Frs 3
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