Martins Fork Dam, also known as Martins Fork Lake, is a gravity dam located in Harlan, Kentucky, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1978 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam has a hydraulic height of 97 feet and a structural height of 120 feet. With a storage capacity of 21,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 340 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks along the Martins Fork of the Cumberland River.

The dam's risk potential is rated as high, prompting the USACE to implement various risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and enhance public safety. These measures include regular monitoring, maintenance, and repairs, as well as collaboration with local emergency managers to develop emergency action plans and evacuation procedures. The USACE also engages with the public to raise awareness of the dam and promote readiness in the event of a dam-related emergency. Despite the inherent risks associated with dams, the USACE's proactive approach aims to address and reduce potential flood risks associated with Martins Fork Dam.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, Martins Fork Dam stands out as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Kentucky. Its multi-arch gravity design and uncontrolled spillway underscore the importance of effective water management in mitigating potential hazards. The dam's history, storage capacity, and ongoing risk management efforts by the USACE highlight the complex interplay between infrastructure, natural forces, and community safety in a changing climate.