West Fork Mayfield Creek Frs 43 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

West Fork Mayfield Creek FRS 43, located near Fancy Farm in Graves County, Kentucky, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the Soil Conservation Service and USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at 23 feet tall and spans 540 feet, with a storage capacity of 137.3 acre-feet. The dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events along the West Fork Mayfield Creek, covering a drainage area of 0.44 square miles.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The last inspection was conducted in February 2012, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures warrant further attention to enhance its overall resilience.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, West Fork Mayfield Creek FRS 43 presents a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure. As part of the Louisville District, the dam's role in protecting the local community from potential inundation events underscores the critical importance of effective water management strategies. With its historical significance dating back to the 1970s, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property in the region, demonstrating the intersection of engineering, hydrology, and environmental stewardship in tackling water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WEST FORK MAYFIELD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

137.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.