Kentucky Dam - Big Sandy Southwest Creek Levee Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Kentucky Dam - Big Sandy Southwest Creek Levee, also known as Kentucky Lake, is a federal-owned structure designed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1944 to primarily serve the purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tennessee River in Benton, Tennessee.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 750 feet and features stone core types on a soil foundation. The levee is associated with five other structures and falls under the ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation of the Tennessee Valley Authority.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment of 2 (high), the Kentucky Dam - Big Sandy Southwest Creek Levee is a critical infrastructure for managing flood risks in the region. Despite its age, the condition assessment is marked as not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential inundation. Emergency action preparedness and risk management measures are essential aspects that need to be addressed to mitigate any potential threats and ensure the safety of the community in the event of a flood emergency.
Year Completed |
1944 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TENNESSEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cypress Creek At Camden
|
5cfs |
Big Sandy River At Bruceton
|
182cfs |
Crooked Creek Near Huntingdon
|
38cfs |
Clarks River At Murray
|
15cfs |
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
3660cfs |
Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills
|
49cfs |
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.
Kentucky Dam - Big Sandy Southwest Creek Levee