Melody Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Melody Lake Dam, located in Gethsemane, Kentucky, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Monks Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1958 by Triangle Engineering Inc., this private-owned earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 700 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 415 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 86.1 acre-feet, Melody Lake Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in Nelson County.
Despite its low hazard potential, Melody Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Kentucky Division of Water. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The last inspection of the dam took place in November 2013, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every five years. Although the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, it continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Melody Lake Dam an essential structure in the region, contributing to the overall management of water resources and mitigating flood risks along Monks Creek. With a moderate risk assessment and a history dating back to the late 1950s, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
MONKS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
59 |
Drainage Area |
3.14 |
Nid Storage |
415 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Melody Lake Dam