Adams Fork Slurry Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Adams Fork Slurry Dam, located in Helton, Kentucky, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for water supply purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 480 feet and a length of 2050 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 8210 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, its condition assessment is currently not available.
The dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, with no state regulatory agency overseeing its operations. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain safety features such as spillways and outlet gates, it remains a crucial water resource infrastructure in Leslie County. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the condition and management of Adams Fork Slurry Dam to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Given its location in an area prone to flooding and its significant storage capacity, it is important for emergency action plans to be in place and regularly updated for Adams Fork Slurry Dam. The dam's high hazard potential highlights the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to minimize the potential impact of a dam failure on the surrounding community and environment.
Dam Length |
2050 |
Dam Height |
480 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
8210 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
480 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cumberland River Near Harlan
|
582cfs |
Cutshin Creek At Wooton
|
25cfs |
Martins Fork Near Smith
|
144cfs |
Martins Fork Above Smith
|
59cfs |
Goose Creek At Manchester
|
125cfs |
North Fork Kentucky River At Hazard
|
293cfs |
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.
Adams Fork Slurry Dam