Horseford Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Yatesville Dam Shannon Wells Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Horseford Creek Dam, also known as Horseford Lake, is a private dam located in Lawrence, Kentucky, near the city of Catalpa.
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Summary
Built in 1969 by the American Electric Power Service Corp., this earth dam stands at a height of 170 feet and stretches for 1000 feet along Blaine Creek. With a storage capacity of 8070 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.86 square miles, the dam serves multiple purposes and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2018, Horseford Creek Dam has been classified as having a high hazard potential. With an uncontrolled spillway measuring 100 feet in width, the dam poses a moderate risk (level 3) in terms of potential downstream impact. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk management measures, it undergoes regular inspections and is subject to state regulatory oversight, enforcement, and permitting.
Horseford Creek Dam, situated within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, is a significant feature along Blaine Creek. As a privately owned structure, it plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts in water resources and climate science would find Horseford Creek Dam an intriguing case study, with its blend of historical significance, engineering design, and regulatory framework providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
170 |
River Or Stream |
BLAINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.86 |
Nid Storage |
8070 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
170 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sandy River At Grayson
|
248cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
19cfs |
Ohio River At Ironton
|
25600cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
459cfs |
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1710cfs |
Symmes Creek At Aid Oh
|
110cfs |
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.
Horseford Creek Dam