Amanda Jo Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Amanda Jo Detention Dam, located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a vital infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The dam, primarily made of earth, stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 700 feet, with a storage capacity of 56.3 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition.

Despite its critical role in mitigating flood risks, Amanda Jo Detention Dam lacks certain key features such as controlled spillways and outlet gates. The dam's primary purpose is to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation, with a drainage area of 1.2 square miles. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, ongoing inspections and enforcement by state agencies ensure that necessary measures are in place to address any potential concerns.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Amanda Jo Detention Dam to be an intriguing case study in flood control infrastructure. With its location in a high-risk area and the involvement of state agencies in regulation and inspection, the dam serves as a critical piece of the flood risk reduction puzzle in Hardin County, Kentucky. The unique design features and operational aspects of the dam make it an essential component in safeguarding the local community against potential flood events.

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

22

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

56.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.