Salt Lick Creek Frs No 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Salt Lick Creek FRS No 5 is a flood risk reduction structure located in the Upper Salt Lick area of Bath, Kentucky.


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Summary

Built in 1973 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 470 feet, with a storage capacity of 16.9 acre-feet. The dam is designed to mitigate flooding along Salt Lick Creek, serving as a critical infrastructure for the local community.

Despite its essential role in flood risk management, Salt Lick Creek FRS No 5 is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in January 2017 highlighted the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure the dam's long-term integrity. With the Kentucky Division of Water overseeing regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, efforts are being made to address the structure's deficiencies and enhance its overall safety and effectiveness.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and intensify extreme weather events, the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like Salt Lick Creek FRS No 5 cannot be overstated. By prioritizing risk assessment, management measures, and regular inspections, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the growing threats of flooding and water-related disasters.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

SALT LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Drainage Area

0.92

Nid Storage

16.9

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.