Roberson Run Dry Impoundment

Roberson Run Dry Impoundment is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, built in 1993. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Roberson Run Dry Impoundment

The primary purpose of Roberson Run Dry Impoundment 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 Roberson Run near Okolona.

The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 87 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1993, the structure is 33 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 11/24/2025.

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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateKentucky
CountyJefferson
Nearest CityOkolona
River/StreamRoberson Run
Coordinates38.13011, -85.66751

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height17 ft
Dam Height17 ft
Dam Length300 ft
Year Completed1993 (33 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage87 acre-ft
Max Storage87 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerLOUISVILLE METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection11/24/2025
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDKY01115
Federal IDKY01115
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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