Fishtrap Dam, also known as Fishtrap Lake, is a rockfill dam located in Pike, Kentucky, along the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1969 by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the dam stands at a structural height of 195 feet and has a hydraulic height of 152 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional functions including fish and wildlife pond creation, recreation, and other uses.
With a maximum storage capacity of 164,360 acre-feet and a normal storage of 37,720 acre-feet, Fishtrap Dam covers a surface area of 1,131 acres and serves a drainage area of 392 square miles. The dam's spillway, controlled with a width of 228 feet, helps manage water levels and potential flooding events. Despite its hazard potential being rated as high, USACE implements rigorous risk management measures, including regular inspections, maintenance, and collaboration with local emergency managers to enhance dam safety and mitigate flood risks for the surrounding communities.
Overall, Fishtrap Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding against floods in the region, and its ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts by USACE ensure the continued protection and resilience of the surrounding area against potential water-related emergencies.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
River Or Stream |
LEVISA FORK OF BIG SANDY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
1131 |
Hydraulic Height |
152 |
Drainage Area |
392 |
Nid Storage |
164360 |
Structural Height |
195 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 4, Tainter (radial) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
195 |
Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis
|
5cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
134cfs |
Russell Fork At Bartlick
|
1060cfs |
Pound River Below Flannagan Dam Near Haysi
|
26cfs |