Beech Fork Branch Dam
Beech Fork Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Powell County, Kentucky, built in 1988. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Beech Fork Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Beech Fork Branch 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 Beech Fork Water District (local government). It impounds the Red River near Stanton.
The dam stands 51 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 61 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,949 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1988, the structure is 38 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 05/07/2025.
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 | Powell |
| Nearest City | Stanton |
| River/Stream | Red River |
| Coordinates | 37.86417, -83.89274 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 51 ft |
| Year Completed | 1988 (38 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,949 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,949 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,117 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 61 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | BEECH FORK WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/07/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY01067 |
| Federal ID | KY01067 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |