Justus Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Justus Dam in Barthell, Kentucky, is a private earth dam with a height of 71 feet and a length of 385 feet, providing a storage capacity of 850 acre-feet of water.


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Summary

The dam primarily serves purposes such as water supply and is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Located in McCreary County, Kentucky, Justus Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and has a high hazard potential.

Although the condition assessment of Justus Dam is currently not available, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor this structure closely due to its high hazard potential. As a private dam with no state jurisdiction or permitting requirements, the responsibility for inspections and maintenance falls on the owner. With the potential risks associated with high hazard dams, it is essential to ensure that emergency action plans are in place and meet safety guidelines to protect downstream communities in the event of a failure.

Given its significance in water supply and the potential risks involved, Justus Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water resource management, dam safety, and climate resilience. Monitoring the condition and safety measures of Justus Dam is crucial to ensure the protection of both the environment and surrounding communities in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource demands.

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

71

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

850

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

71
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.