Don Jenkins Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Don Jenkins Dam, also known as Jenkins Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Fayette, Kentucky.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene getaway for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Situated along the UT to North Elkhorn Creek, the dam has a height of 19 feet and a length of 400 feet, providing a storage capacity of 95.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.6 acres.

Managed and regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, Don Jenkins Dam boasts a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of August 2017. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its relatively small drainage area of 0.27 square miles, the dam offers a tranquil recreational spot and serves as a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure. Overall, Don Jenkins Dam presents a blend of beauty, functionality, and regulatory compliance for all who appreciate the intersection of water resources and climate resilience.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

UT TO NORTH ELKHORN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.6

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

95.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.