Franklin Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Franklin Dam, also known as Franklin Impoundment, is a gravity-type dam located in Simpson County, Kentucky, along the West Fork Drakes Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1975 by Resource Consultants, Inc. from Nashville, Tennessee, this local government-owned structure serves as a critical water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 650 feet, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 80 feet.
Managed and regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, Franklin Dam has a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its satisfactory condition. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, although specific risk management measures are not detailed in the data. The surrounding area, including the city of Salmons-vicinity, benefits from the water supply provided by Franklin Dam, emphasizing its importance in sustaining local communities and ecosystems in the region.
Overall, Franklin Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in Kentucky, ensuring a reliable water supply for residents and supporting the ecological health of the West Fork Drakes Creek. As a key piece of infrastructure with a significant hazard potential, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the continued safety and functionality of the dam for years to come.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FORK DRAKES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Drainage Area |
108 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork Drakes Creek Near Franklin
|
26cfs |
Drakes Creek Near Alvaton
|
154cfs |
Barren River At Bowling Green
|
386cfs |
Dry Creek Near Edenwold
|
1cfs |
Red River At Port Royal
|
214cfs |
Whites Creek Near Bordeaux
|
14cfs |
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.
Franklin Dam