Northern Ky Airport Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Northern Ky Airport Dam, located in Boone, Kentucky, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along Gunpowder Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1999, this Roller-Compacted Concrete dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 768.5 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.

With a spillway width of 79 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the Northern Ky Airport Dam has been assessed to have a high hazard potential and fair condition as of September 2017. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, and it is monitored closely for any necessary risk management measures. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan, last revised in October 2014, outlines procedures and contacts for swift response and mitigation.

Managed by Woolpert LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Northern Ky Airport Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of well-maintained infrastructure like this dam becomes increasingly apparent. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate resilience will find the Northern Ky Airport Dam to be a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

GUNPOWDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Roller-Compacted Concrete

Drainage Area

5.96

Nid Storage

768.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.