Plum Creek Frs 18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Plum Creek FRS 18, located in Waterford, Kentucky, is a vital flood risk reduction structure on Plum Creek, completed in 1960.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 460 feet, providing storage capacity of 464 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.05 square miles, Plum Creek FRS 18 plays a crucial role in managing floodwaters and safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, this dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Plum Creek FRS 18 received a satisfactory condition assessment during its last inspection in October 2017. The dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and protect downstream communities and ecosystems.

Owned by the local government and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plum Creek FRS 18 serves as a critical component of the flood control infrastructure in Spencer County, Kentucky. With its uncontrolled spillway and significant storage capacity, this structure exemplifies the importance of strategic water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and increasing precipitation patterns.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

1.05

Nid Storage

464

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

40
       
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.