Copperas Fork Slurry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Copperas Fork Slurry Dam, located in McCreary, Kentucky, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

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
       
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.