Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 dam
Upper Douglas Structure Number 1
Upper Douglas Structure Number 1, also known as Upper Douglas Lake, is a federally owned water resource located in Hardin, Kentucky. Managed by the US Army, this earth dam was completed in 1966 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a dam height of 42 feet and a storage capacity of 339 acre-feet, the structure spans 650 feet in length and sits on the Douglas Branch river/stream.
Maintained and regulated by the US Army, Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 has a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. Despite its condition assessment not being available, the dam is inspected every four years to ensure its safety and functionality. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 40 feet, and it does not feature outlet gates. While the structure does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets regulatory guidelines and has emergency contacts updated accordingly.
Overall, Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of federal ownership, recreational use, and regulatory oversight in maintaining a vital infrastructure for the surrounding community. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this structure stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling Fork Near Boston | 102 cfs | → |
| Long Lick At Clermont | 1 cfs | → |
| Salt River At Shepherdsville | 193 cfs | → |
| Brier Creek At Pendelton Road Near Louisville | 0 cfs | → |
| Pond Creek At Pendleton Road Near Louisville | 11 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek At Hwy 1442 Near Shepherdsville | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper Douglas Structure Number 1.
Boat launches
- Porter River Road Hardin County
- Bullitt County Boat Ramp
- Greenwood Road 8203, Louisville
- Cooper Chapel Road Louisville
- Lasater Road Louisville
Campgrounds
- Camp Carlson Military - Fort Knox
- Salt River Recreation Park
- Salt River Rec Area
- South Harrison Co Park
- My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Track Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Upper Douglas Structure Number 1
Where does the data for Upper Douglas Structure Number 1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Upper Douglas Structure Number 1.