Game Farm (Upper)Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Whippoorwill Lake Dam Snyder Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Game Farm (Upper) Dam, located in Franklin, Kentucky, is a state-owned structure managed by the Department of Fish & Wildlife.
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Summary
Constructed in 1951 on Benson Creek, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 620 feet, creating the picturesque Game Farm Lake (Upper) with a storage capacity of 49 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 5.5 acres for visitors to enjoy water-based activities.
Despite its recreational benefits, Game Farm (Upper) Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment in 2018. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure public safety. With a moderate risk assessment rating, it is crucial for maintenance and risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate any potential safety concerns. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may need to be updated to meet guidelines and ensure proper response protocols.
Overall, Game Farm (Upper) Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community, offering recreational opportunities while requiring careful monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safeguard against potential risks. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the balance between recreation and safety measures in place to protect this essential infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
620 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
BENSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
49 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 4 At Frankfort
|
5280cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
318cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 5 Near Tyrone
|
5480cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
South Elkhorn Creek Near Midway
|
89cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 3 At Gest
|
4990cfs |
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.
Game Farm (Upper)Dam