Ralph Mills Lake Dam (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ralph Mills Lake Dam (Lower) is a privately owned earth dam located in Forks Of Elkhorn, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1964 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 85 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 860 feet across Beal's Run, with a maximum discharge capacity of 396 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Ralph Mills Lake Dam is currently unavailable, and there is no information on emergency action plans or risk management measures in place. With no recent inspection data provided, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to monitor the structural integrity of the dam to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability. As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, understanding the details and potential risks associated with dams like Ralph Mills Lake Dam is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and proactive management strategies for our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Beal's Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.66

Nid Storage

85

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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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.