Herbert Bird Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Herbert Bird Dam, also known as Bird Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Carlisle, Kentucky, along the Obion Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1979 by the Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 20 feet tall and stretches 460 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 63.4 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Herbert Bird Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has not been modified since its completion. Its last inspection in 2018 deemed it to be in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam does not have associated locks or outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.
With its strategic location and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, Herbert Bird Dam serves as a vital infrastructure in the Louisville District. The dam's presence along the Obion Creek contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the area, safeguarding against potential flooding events and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. As a key element in the state's water management infrastructure, Herbert Bird Dam continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the resilience of the local ecosystem and climate adaptation strategies.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
OBION CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Herbert Bird Dam
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Coil Estate Wildlife Management Area
Winford Wildlife Management Area
Obion Creek Wildlife Management Area
Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site