Roberson Run Dry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Roberson Run Dry Impoundment, located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, is a critical structure managed by the Louisville MSD to mitigate flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this earth dam stands at 17 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the impoundment currently remains dry, with a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2018.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, the Roberson Run Dry Impoundment is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety for surrounding communities. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 300 feet wide, serves as a crucial component in managing water discharge during heavy rainfall events. While the risk assessment for the impoundment is moderate, with a rating of 3, there are no specific risk management measures or inundation maps currently in place.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Roberson Run Dry Impoundment is vital in safeguarding communities from potential flooding disasters. The impoundment's history, design, and operation shed light on the intricate balance between flood risk reduction measures and environmental conservation efforts in the region. Monitoring and maintaining such infrastructure are crucial steps in ensuring the safety and resilience of the local area in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

ROBERSON RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.05

Nid Storage

87

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.