Whippoorwill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whippoorwill Lake Dam, located in Franklin, Kentucky, is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 420 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 68.94 acre-feet with a normal storage of 59.1 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the South Benson Creek, within the Louisville District, and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Whippoorwill Lake Dam has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition as of January 2018. The dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years, with the last inspection revealing the need for improvement. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there are no emergency action plans in place, raising concerns for potential risks associated with the dam's operation and maintenance. Given its location and the surrounding area's drainage characteristics, ensuring the proper management and maintenance of Whippoorwill Lake Dam is crucial for mitigating any potential threats to downstream communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

SOUTH BENSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

68.94

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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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.