North Fork Nolin River Mps 15
North Fork Nolin River Mps 15 is an earth dam located in Larue County, Kentucky, built in 1986. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About North Fork Nolin River Mps 15
The primary purpose of North Fork Nolin River Mps 15 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Hodgenville (local government). It impounds the North Fork Nolin River near Hodgenville.
The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 1,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 91 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,422 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 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. 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 11/05/2025.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Larue |
| Nearest City | Hodgenville |
| River/Stream | North Fork Nolin River |
| Coordinates | 37.55250, -85.69330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,422 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,422 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 666 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 91 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | CITY OF HODGENVILLE |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY01045 |
| Federal ID | KY01045 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |