LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Officials issued a flash flood advisory Thursday for part of southern Jefferson County because an earthen dam is in danger of failing.

Jefferson County Emergency Management said the Silver Crystal Dam at 915 South Park Road near Fairdale could fail.

An advisory said emergency responders are aware of the situation and the dam is being monitored by the property owner and their engineers. If the dam does begin to fail, a flash flood warning will be issued.

Areas downstream of the dam east of Fairdale could experience minor flooding, if the failure occurs. Areas that would be impacted are Wilson Creek, including South Park Road, Farmers Lane and Hornback Road, as well as South Park Country Club and Silver Lake.

"We can't afford to lose this dam," said Janet Mingus, who lives up the hill above the dam. She said the area has flooded before. "People that live over here on this side of the track pretty much know that it is definitely a safety hazard. This is a safety hazard because this is underwater." 

Neighbors told WDRB News a gaping hole in the ground near the dam wasn't there two weeks ago.

"It's a pretty good size," said Kenny Check, who lives nearby. "I worry about my basement flooding, it's gonna probably flood all this pretty good."

SILVER CRYSTAL DAM - DRONE 3-9-2023 (3).JPG

Aerial drone footage shows part of the Silver Crystal Dam at 915 South Park Road near Fairdale, Kentucky. The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency said the dam is in danger of failing. (WDRB Image from drone footage) March 9, 2023

The dam, built in 1950, is owned by the South Park Fishing Club and was last inspected in February 2018, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams database. 

"I just hope that we can continue to work together and try to get all this cleaned out," said Mingus.

It is regulated by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Inspectors rated the dam in "fair" condition in 2018, meaning that "no existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action," according to federal guidelines.

The Association of State Dam Safety Officials lists the dam as one of 130 in Kentucky considered a "significant" hazard. The failure of such dams would likely not result in loss of life, but "can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns," federal guidelines say.

The dam isn't required to have an emergency action plan, a document that typically includes evacuation maps and key information for first responders. 

Railroad tracks that run parallel to South Park Road could also flood, so emergency officials are warning people in the area to use caution and be prepared to act quickly. 

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