Butch Hart Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Butch Hart Dam, also known as Butch Hart Lake, is a private dam located in Clintonville, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1997 by HALL-HARMON ENGINEERS, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 800 feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of Green Creek, the dam provides a surface area of 4.7 acres and a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational focus, Butch Hart Dam holds significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The last inspection in December 2017 indicated the need for improvements, and the risk assessment classified the dam's risk as moderate (Level 3).

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may be interested in the Butch Hart Dam for its role in providing recreational opportunities in Bourbon County, Kentucky. However, there is a recognized need for maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam in the face of changing climate conditions. As a privately owned structure, ongoing attention and investment in the dam's infrastructure are crucial to safeguarding both the environment and the community that relies on it for recreation.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIB. GREEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.7

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

114

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.