Obion Creek Frs No 20 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Obion Creek FRS No 20, also known as Shotgun Lake, is a critical water resource project located in Graves County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA/NRCS, this earth dam serves as a flood risk reduction structure along the McClane Creek. With a dam height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 462 acre-feet, the reservoir covers 23.2 acres and has a drainage area of 1.92 square miles.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Obion Creek FRS No 20 has a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam has been regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in December 2017. The structure meets regulatory requirements, including state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure for the region's water resource management.

Overall, Obion Creek FRS No 20 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With its moderate risk assessment and ongoing maintenance, this earth dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. As a key component of the Louisville District's water infrastructure, this structure showcases the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal stakeholders in safeguarding the region's water supply and environmental well-being.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1010

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

MCCLANE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23.2

Drainage Area

1.92

Nid Storage

462

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.