Shaw Creek Detention Basin Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Shaw Creek Detention Basin, located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a crucial infrastructure designed by Jacob Harman, PE, to address flood risk reduction in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 2009, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 900 feet, providing storage of 172.6 acre-feet to help manage excess water during heavy rainfall events. The basin covers a surface area of 3.71 acres and serves a drainage area of 1.36 square miles, making it a significant asset in safeguarding the community against potential flooding.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Shaw Creek Detention Basin is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is assessed as satisfactory in condition, with a moderate risk rating. The last inspection in June 2017 confirmed its operational readiness, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its flood control capabilities. The presence of this detention basin underscores the proactive approach taken by local government authorities to mitigate flood risks and protect the surrounding area from water-related threats.
With its strategic location along Shaw Creek and effective flood risk reduction design, Shaw Creek Detention Basin serves as a vital component of the water resource management infrastructure in Hardin County, Kentucky. Supported by state permitting and regulatory agencies, this earth dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community from potential inundation events. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns, the importance of such structures in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks cannot be overstated, making Shaw Creek Detention Basin a key asset in the region's resilience against extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SHAW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.71 |
Drainage Area |
1.36 |
Nid Storage |
172.6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Shaw Creek Detention Basin
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