Franklin Dam is a gravity dam located in Simpson County, Kentucky, built in 1975. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 15 ft15 ft tall and 650 ft long. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Franklin Dam
The primary purpose of Franklin 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 Franklin (local government). It impounds the West Fork Drakes Creek near Salmons-vicinity.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 158 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 108 square miles. Completed in 1975, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 08/19/2025.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Simpson |
| Nearest City | Salmons-vicinity |
| River/Stream | West Fork Drakes Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.72306, -86.55167 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 158 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 158 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 108 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Franklin |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 08/19/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00321 |
| Federal ID | KY00321 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |