East Bend Power Plant Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The East Bend Power Plant in Burlington, Kentucky, is a privately owned facility located along the Ohio River.


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Summary

Constructed in 1976, this Earth dam structure stands at a height of 60 feet and has a length of 4000 feet, providing storage of up to 1844 acre-feet of water. 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 to ensure its safety and compliance.

With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2017, the East Bend Power Plant is deemed to have a moderate risk level. The spillway of this dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 12 feet, and it covers a surface area of 32 acres with a drainage area of 1 acre. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in July 2015, and it meets established guidelines for risk management and safety measures.

Overall, the East Bend Power Plant is a crucial part of the region's water resource infrastructure, providing storage and regulatory functions along the Ohio River. Its design by BBC&M Engineering and its state-regulated operations ensure that it continues to serve its purpose effectively while maintaining the necessary safety standards for both the facility and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

4000

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

OHIO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1844

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

60
       
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.