James C Harris Dam
James C Harris Dam is an earth dam located in Lincoln County, Kentucky, built in 1989. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About James C Harris Dam
The primary purpose of James C Harris 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 Stanford (local government). It impounds the Dix River near Stanford.
The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 640 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 38 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,432 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 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 11/20/2025.
At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Lincoln |
| Nearest City | Stanford |
| River/Stream | Dix River |
| Coordinates | 37.46193, -84.69514 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Length | 640 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,432 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,432 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 807 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF STANFORD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/20/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY01074 |
| Federal ID | KY01074 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |