Sam Nally Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sam Nally Dam, also known as Nally Lake, is a private-owned earth dam located in Fredericktown, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene setting for water enthusiasts to enjoy various activities. With a height of 44 feet and a length of 436 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 91.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.5 acres, drawing water from the TR-Short Creek.
Managed and regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, Sam Nally Dam has a low hazard potential and is rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a frequency of inspection every 5 years. While there are no associated structures, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Sam Nally Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, contributing to the water resource and climate conversation in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sam Nally Dam offers a fascinating study in the intersection of man-made structures and natural ecosystems. As a recreational site, it provides a valuable opportunity for visitors to appreciate the importance of responsible water resource management and the impact of dams on local environments. With its picturesque setting in Washington County, Kentucky, and the oversight of the state regulatory agency, the dam stands as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in the realm of water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
436 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHORT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
91.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beech Fork At Maud
|
101cfs |
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
177cfs |
Brashears Creek At Taylorsville
|
144cfs |
Rolling Fork Near Boston
|
449cfs |
Long Lick At Clermont
|
1cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
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.
Sam Nally Dam