Tom Wallace Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tom Wallace Lake Dam, located in Fairdale, Kentucky, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches 345 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Bee Lick Creek in Jefferson County and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Tom Wallace Lake Dam has a moderate risk level and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement by state authorities. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet, providing necessary overflow management for the 2.5-acre surface area it impounds. With a drainage area of 0.15 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tom Wallace Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the local landscape, this dam showcases the importance of maintaining and regulating such structures to ensure both public safety and the preservation of natural water systems. Its design by GRW Engineers, Inc. in 1981 and ongoing state oversight underscore the ongoing efforts to balance human development with ecological sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-BEE LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

44

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.