Carlisle Lower Reservoir Dam
Carlisle Lower Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Nicholas County, Kentucky, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Carlisle Lower Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Carlisle Lower Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Carlisle (local government). It impounds the Hinkston Creek near Carlisle.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 360 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 03/13/2025.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Kentucky dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Nicholas |
| Nearest City | Carlisle |
| River/Stream | Hinkston Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.31059, -84.04005 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 360 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF CARLISLE |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 03/13/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00074 |
| Federal ID | KY00074 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |