Kentucky Mulch Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kentucky Mulch Dam, also known as The Hughes Group, is a privately owned structure located in the Clay City area of Powell, Kentucky.
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Summary
Built in 1989 by Challenge Engineering Inc., this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80.8 acre-feet. Situated on Bush Creek, the dam serves a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area, regulating water flow and providing flood control measures.
Despite its importance, Kentucky Mulch Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2018 revealed the need for maintenance and potential repairs to ensure the dam's structural integrity. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate any potential threats to the dam's stability and functionality. The Kentucky Division of Water oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of this dam, ensuring compliance with state standards and protocols to safeguard water resources and protect the community.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.63 |
Nid Storage |
80.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Kentucky Mulch Dam