Dix River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dix River Dam, also known as Herrington Lake, is a private hydroelectric dam located in High Bridge, Kentucky.


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Summary

Built in 1925, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 287 feet and spans 1700 feet across the Dix River. With a storage capacity of 320,000 acre-feet, it serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, the Dix River Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 627 feet and a controlled spillway type, the dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as a very high-risk structure. Despite this, its condition assessment remains satisfactory, indicating its ongoing maintenance and management efforts.

Offering a glimpse into the rich history and engineering marvel of water resource management, the Dix River Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a fascinating case study in balancing the needs of energy production, water conservation, and recreational activities within the context of a changing climate and evolving regulatory landscape.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

287

River Or Stream

DIX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

2940

Drainage Area

439

Nid Storage

320000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

287
       
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.