Sampson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sampson Dam, also known as Sampson Lake, is a private water resource located in Seatonville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth-type dam stands at 40 feet in height and spans 750 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreational use, offering a surface area of 7.9 acres and a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Sampson Dam is state-regulated, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 indicates the need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam's drainage area of 0.07 square miles and its location along the TR-Brush Run river/stream contribute to its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sampson Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned earth dam that serves both recreational and regulatory purposes. With its historical significance, moderate risk assessment, and state-regulated status, this dam stands as a key component of the water infrastructure in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Its ongoing management and maintenance efforts highlight the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-BRUSH RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.9

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

40
       
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.