Dix River Dam
Dix River Dam is a rockfill dam located in Mercer County, Kentucky, built in 1925. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Dix River Dam
The primary purpose of Dix River Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Kentucky Utilities Company (private). It impounds the Dix River near High Bridge.
The dam stands 287 feet tall and stretches 1,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,940 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 320,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 439 square miles. Completed in 1925, the structure is over a century 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/02/2024.
At 287 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Mercer |
| Nearest City | High Bridge |
| River/Stream | Dix River |
| Coordinates | 37.78552, -84.70390 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 287 ft |
| Dam Height | 287 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 320,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 320,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 230,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,940 acres |
| Drainage Area | 439 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/02/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00316 |
| Federal ID | KY00316 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |