Arlington Dam (Upper) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arlington Dam (Lower) Lake Reba Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Madison, Kentucky, the Arlington Dam (Upper) is a state-owned structure designed by Miller Whiry and Brooks in 1950.
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Summary
Situated on the Tate Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet for recreational purposes. With a surface area of 7.8 acres and a drainage area of 0.16 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, the Arlington Dam (Upper) has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam, primarily used for recreation, has not been rated for its condition assessment and has not been inspected since November 2013. Despite its condition assessment status, the dam continues to be a vital water resource for the residents of Million and the surrounding areas, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.
Although the dam lacks certain infrastructure such as outlet gates and associated structures, it remains an essential part of the local landscape and ecosystem. With its uncontrolled spillway and proximity to the Louisville District, the Arlington Dam (Upper) stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate considerations, and recreational opportunities in the state of Kentucky.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TATE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Arlington Dam (Upper)