Whipps Mill Rd Dry Dam
Whipps Mill Rd Dry Dam is a roller-compacted concrete dam located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, built in 1999. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Whipps Mill Rd Dry Dam
The primary purpose of Whipps Mill Rd Dry Dam 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 Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (local government). It impounds the Beargrass Creek near St. Matthews.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 1,400 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 613 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1999, the structure is 27 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/24/2025.
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 | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | St. Matthews |
| River/Stream | Beargrass Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.25990, -85.58443 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Roller-Compacted Concrete |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1999 (27 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 613 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 613 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | LOUISVILLE METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/24/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY01165 |
| Federal ID | KY01165 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |