Cynthiana Impoundment
Cynthiana Impoundment is a gravity dam located in Harrison County, Kentucky, built in 1920. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cynthiana Impoundment
The primary purpose of Cynthiana Impoundment 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 Cynthiana (local government). It impounds the South Fork Licking River near Cynthiana.
The dam stands 10 feet tall and stretches 190 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 65 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 604 square miles. Completed in 1920, the structure is over a century 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/23/2025.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Harrison |
| Nearest City | Cynthiana |
| River/Stream | South Fork Licking River |
| Coordinates | 38.38349, -84.29695 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Length | 190 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 48 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 65 acres |
| Drainage Area | 604 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF CYNTHIANA |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00318 |
| Federal ID | KY00318 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |