Copperas Fork Slurry Dam, located in McCreary, Kentucky, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 20 feet and spanning 360 feet in length, this structure has a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is not regulated by the state and does not have a designated inspection or maintenance schedule.
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Copperas Fork Slurry Dam serves as an essential source of water supply in the region. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain undisclosed. With an unassigned DSAC date and limited risk management measures in place, there is a need for increased oversight and preparedness to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Copperas Fork Slurry Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with significant water supply potential. As efforts continue to enhance dam safety nationwide, the lack of state regulation and maintenance protocols for this dam underscore the importance of proactive monitoring and risk management practices. With its unique characteristics and operational considerations, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in safeguarding our valuable water resources in an ever-changing climate landscape.
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
20 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
230 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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|
2140cfs |
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns
|
195cfs |
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
|
1810cfs |
Buck Creek Near Shopville
|
90cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Monticello
|
11cfs |
Rockcastle River At Billows
|
586cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
General Burnside State Park
|
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Alum Ford
|
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Alum Ford - Big South Fork Area
|
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Sandhill RV Camp
|
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Cumberland Falls State Park
|
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Rockcastle
|