Wellington Unit 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wellington Unit 1-B Lochdale Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wellington Unit 4 is a local government-owned structure located in Lexington, Kentucky, along the South Fork Elkhorn Creek.
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Summary
This earthen dam was designed by Parrott, Ely, and Hurt Engineers, with a height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 390 acre-feet. Completed in 2000, the dam serves a primary purpose of 'Other' and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
The dam has a spillway width of 170 feet and is classified as having a 'High' hazard potential, although its condition assessment in 2017 was deemed 'Satisfactory'. The risk assessment for Wellington Unit 4 indicates a moderate level of risk (3), with no specific risk management measures or inundation maps prepared as of the latest data update in 2021. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water resource management functions in the region, demonstrating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and efficacy for the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wellington Unit 4 represents a key infrastructure asset in the management of water resources in Fayette County, Kentucky. Its location along a major waterway and regulated status by state authorities highlight the importance of proper design, inspection, and maintenance of such structures to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety. As discussions around climate change and water management continue to evolve, the role of dams like Wellington Unit 4 in providing essential services and protection against flooding and water scarcity becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable development and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK ELKHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.91 |
Nid Storage |
390 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
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