Mckee City Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mckee City Reservoir in Kentucky, nestled along the Middle Fork Rockcastle River, serves as a vital water supply for the local community in McKee.


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Summary

Constructed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 230 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 4 acres and has a drainage area of 1.07 square miles, providing essential water resources for the region.

Despite its critical role in water supply, Mckee City Reservoir poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of January 2017. The dam's spillway, designed as uncontrolled with a width of 24 feet, heightens concerns about potential risks. Although the reservoir's risk assessment is moderate, with a score of 3, ongoing maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water infrastructure.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Mckee City Reservoir undergoes regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to uphold regulatory standards. As climate change impacts water resources, the reservoir's significance in supplying clean water to the community underscores the importance of proactive risk management and maintenance measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure a resilient water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK ROCKCASTLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.