Holt Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holt Dam, also known as Holt Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Nelson, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this Earth-type dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 480 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 77.3 acre-feet. Primarily serving as a recreational site, Holt Dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on TR-Buffalo Creek in the Louisville District, Holt Dam boasts a surface area of 6.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.11 square miles. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has been assigned a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action plans, though specific details on these measures are not provided in the data.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Holt Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and management. With its recreational focus and modest storage capacity, the dam offers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental considerations in the realm of water infrastructure. As Holt Dam continues to play a vital role in the local community, its ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight underscore the importance of responsible stewardship in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

77.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.