Duncan Nave Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Duncan Nave Dam, also known as Lake Mingo, is a local government-owned structure located in Nicholasville, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 500 feet, with a capacity to store up to 33 acre-feet of water. Situated on the TR-Town Fork river, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 2.3 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its recreational appeal, Duncan Nave Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of November 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 13 feet, and while it has undergone state regulation, permitting, and inspection, its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3). Located in Jessamine County, Kentucky, this dam is under the jurisdiction of the KY Division of Water and falls within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Duncan Nave Dam to be an intriguing structure with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Despite its recreational benefits, the dam's high hazard potential and poor condition underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding community. With its scenic location on the TR-Town Fork river, Duncan Nave Dam remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation while also serving as a reminder of the vital role that proper dam management plays in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-TOWN FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

33

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.