Kentucky River Lock And Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Kentucky River Lock and Dam 1, located in Carrollton, Kentucky, was completed in 1839 and serves as a vital navigation structure on the Kentucky River.


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Summary

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this timber crib dam stands at 35 feet in structural height with a hydraulic height of 23 feet. With a primary purpose of navigation and additional recreational benefits, the dam has a length of 462 feet and a storage capacity of 25,290 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Kentucky River Lock and Dam 1 faces flood risk management challenges due to its limited water storage capacity and susceptibility to severe weather events. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively monitors and maintains the dam to mitigate risks, emphasizing community engagement and emergency preparedness. While the dam does not have a spillway, it can release water to control downstream water levels and maintain structural integrity. The agency works closely with local emergency managers to develop evacuation plans and update the emergency action plan regularly.

In the face of changing climate conditions and potential flood events, Kentucky River Lock and Dam 1 represents a critical infrastructure for both navigation and flood risk management. By prioritizing maintenance, monitoring conditions, and engaging with local communities, the US Army Corps of Engineers ensures the dam's resilience and readiness for any emergency situation.

Year Completed

1839

Dam Length

462

River Or Stream

KENTUCKY

Primary Dam Type

Timber Crib

Surface Area

1310

Length Of Locks

145

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

6956

Nid Storage

25290

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

35
       
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.