Upper Tradewater Frs No 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Upper Tradewater FRS No 5, located in Christian, Kentucky, is a vital structure designed for flood risk reduction along Castleberry Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1987 by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA/NRCS, this earth dam stands at 34 feet tall and spans 660 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 5043 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2017, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kentucky Division of Water, ensuring its safety and efficacy in managing the region's water resources.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, serves as an uncontrolled outlet for excess water during high flow events, highlighting its significance in flood risk management. With a drainage area of 9.53 square miles and a storage capacity of 485 acre-feet under normal conditions, Upper Tradewater FRS No 5 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards for the surrounding area. It is closely monitored for its hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3, emphasizing the need for ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the community and environment from potential flood events.
As a key structure in the Nashville District, Upper Tradewater FRS No 5 remains a cornerstone of water resource management in Kentucky. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between local government agencies and the USDA in ensuring the resilience of communities against flooding. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and intensify extreme weather events, the importance of structures like Upper Tradewater FRS No 5 in safeguarding lives and property from floods cannot be understated.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
CASTLEBERRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
105 |
Drainage Area |
9.53 |
Nid Storage |
5043 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pond River Near Apex
|
39cfs |
Tradewater River At Olney
|
26cfs |
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
1890cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2370cfs |
Red River At Port Royal
|
195cfs |
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.
Upper Tradewater Frs No 5