Rolfes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rolfes Dam, also known as Rolfes Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Grant County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.6 acres. Situated on Bullock Creek, the dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 170 feet in length.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor conditions, prompting concerns about its structural integrity. The Kentucky Division of Water regulates and inspects the dam periodically to ensure compliance with state standards and enforcement measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to address potential safety issues and maintain the dam's functionality for recreational purposes.

In the absence of associated structures and emergency action plans, the focus remains on monitoring and maintaining Rolfes Dam to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With its picturesque location and historical significance, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BULLOCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.