Globe Coal Silt Structure
Globe Coal Silt Structure is an earth dam located in Letcher County, Kentucky, built in 1972. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Globe Coal Silt Structure
Globe Coal Silt Structure is a dam in Letcher, Kentucky. The dam is owned by Globe Coal Company (private). It impounds the Coon Branch near Defeated Creek.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1972, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
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 | Letcher |
| Nearest City | Defeated Creek |
| River/Stream | Coon Branch |
| Coordinates | 37.02000, -83.00833 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 52 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 52 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 455 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Globe Coal Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00401 |
| Federal ID | KY00401 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |