Corbin Reservoir Dam is a gravity dam located in Laurel County, Kentucky, built in 1950. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 50 ft50 ft tall and 420 ft long, taller than 92% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Corbin Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Corbin Reservoir 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 City of Corbin (local government). It impounds the Laurel River near Corbin.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 420 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 138 acres, has a storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 158 square miles. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 10/31/2025.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Laurel |
| Nearest City | Corbin |
| River/Stream | Laurel River |
| Coordinates | 36.97009, -84.12037 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 158 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Corbin |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/31/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00119 |
| Federal ID | KY00119 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |