Paris Lower City Dam
Paris Lower City Dam is a gravity dam located in Bourbon County, Kentucky, built in 1956. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Paris Lower City Dam
The primary purpose of Paris Lower City 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 Paris (local government). It impounds the Stoner Creek near Paris.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 127 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 111 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 584 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 182 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 10/23/2025.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Bourbon |
| Nearest City | Paris |
| River/Stream | Stoner Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.21317, -84.24740 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 127 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 584 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 584 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 584 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 111 acres |
| Drainage Area | 182 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF PARIS |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00311 |
| Federal ID | KY00311 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |