Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long would a potential pool restriction last?
The pool restriction will likely need to extend through completion of the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project. The construction period is expected to take approximately 6 years after award of Phase 2. At this time Phase II of the construction project is partially funded so the completion date/year remains unknown. As soon as we have more information available, we will share it with the Rough River Community.
Q: How will a delayed fill schedule work?
Typically, the reservoir begins holding back water for the recreation season on March 15. The operation of the dam will be revised to begin the rise to the new summer pool target approximately two weeks later (April 1). This allows for more time to store flood events that occur in late March or early April while starting near winter pool elevation. This reduces the elevation of water on the dam for those possible flood events which reduces the load on the structure.
Q: How quickly will you drop the lake when you get high pools? Or how long will I be able to use my dock when we get high pools?
We are limited to reducing the lake elevation by two feet per day and will be actively releasing until we reach 490. Daily lake levels can be viewed here: https://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/lkreport.html. The 3-day Forecast can also be found at: https://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/ceorlresfct.txt labeled as RRLK2.
Q: How many times in previous years has the lake been below or at 490 due to droughts, etc.? What were the significant impacts during that time?
Rough River Lake remained between elevation 490 and 491 from May 2012 through August 2012 and never rose above 490 in 2001. This data has helped us better understand the impacts that are expected to occur at 490. In 2012 approximately 60% of docks were impacted and the North Fork Beach remained closed for the entire summer. The 2012 low water period was what prompted the construction of a second public beach at Laurel Branch Recreation Area.
Q: If the construction project started immediately would a pool restriction still be necessary?
Yes, based on recommendations from the Risk Assessment and consensus from technical experts within USACE, it is necessary to implement interim risk reduction measures, such as the pool restriction, immediately to help lower the project’s risk. The construction period is expected to take approximately 6 years. At this time Phase II of the construction project is not fully funded so the completion date/year remains unknown at this time. These interim risk reduction measures help to reduce risk while the long-term repairs can be completed.
Q: Does USACE Louisville District have the authority to implement a pool restriction?
Yes, the authority to implement a pool restriction at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir resides with the Louisville District Commander. All levels of USACE have agreed with the implementation of a pool restriction as an Interim Risk Reduction Measure at Rough River Lake. Risk assessment findings were presented to the USACE dam senior oversight group (DSOG). The DSOG plays an important role in assessing risk; they are responsible for reviewing all risk assessments and making recommendations to USACE leadership on the risk characterization and risk management actions for each dam. Each district is then responsible for implementing IRRM.
Q: Is the dam being monitored for changes?
Yes, in addition to routine monitoring as part of the dam safety program, which includes in-depth periodic inspections, there are over 100 piezometers on the dam that provide real-time readings every 15 minutes. That information is immediately relayed to our dam safety experts for review and analysis to ensure the dam is operating as intended.
Q: Will recreation be impacted by the interim risk reduction measures?
We value our partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies and all of those individuals throughout the Rough River community. We will continue to work with them to lessen the impact of interim risk reduction measures where possible. Based on the proposed elevation of 490, Rough River Lake will still be able to provide multiple recreation benefits to visitors. Two public beaches will be impacted (North Fork and State Park) and some private docks. Marinas, USACE-managed boat ramps, most licensed out granted boat ramps and USACE managed day-use areas should be able to operate as normal, or with minimal changes, this recreation season.
Q: Will the boat ramps be open?
Yes, at an elevation of 490 feet, all but three of the 21 boat ramps around Rough River Lake will still accessible. All USACE-managed boat ramps will still be accessible. For a full listing of the Corps-operated boat ramps that are accessible at various lake levels visit the Rough River Lake Facebook Page or the Rough River Lake website at: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/Display/Article/3641042/rough-river-lake/
Q: Will there be any beaches open?
Laurel Branch Beach will remain open to the public. Axtel Beach will be usable, but it is only available for campers.
Q: Why has the construction project not started? We have been hearing about it for years.
Phase II of the project, which includes construction of a new outlet works and a full-depth cutoff wall across the dam, is awaiting additional funding. The remedial repairs are still needed to provide necessary risk reduction. The district regularly requests funding for Phase II construction through the normal budget process as well as through the Work Plan. The project is consistently rated as a very high priority by the district for inclusion in the budget.
The FY25 Pres Budget has funding proposed to start the Phase 2 project. The district is actively working the acquisition process. The complexity, size, and nature of the project has resulted in evaluation of multiple proposals.
Q: When construction starts will a pool restriction still be necessary?
Yes, based on recommendations from the Risk Assessment and consensus from technical experts within USACE, it is necessary to implement interim risk reduction measures, such as the pool restriction, immediately to help lower the project’s risk. These interim risk reduction measures help to reduce risk while the long-term repairs can be completed.
Q: How will construction impact the local community?
Impacts to the local community is expected to be minimal. Some minor increase in vehicles as workers for the project commute to and from the project site.
Q: What is the current project schedule?
The Louisville District is currently (as of Nov. 2025) advertising the project and will be evaluating contractor proposals and cost information. A project schedule will not be available until the project is awarded and a plan for the work is submitted by the chosen contractor.
Q: How long will construction take for Phase II?
Construction is expected to take a little over 6 years to complete. However, a project schedule will not be available until the project is awarded and a plan for the work is submitted by the chosen contractor.
Q: What all will be included in the construction during Phase II?
Phase 2 will first involve creating a new outlet works on the left abutment which will consist of a new control tower and stilling basin with a new tunnel connecting the two features. Once completed and operational, the existing tower will be abandoned, and the cutoff wall will be constructed across the crest of the dam varying in depth from 75 to 180 deep. The final portion of work will be to relocate the state highway back to the top of the dam.
Q: What is being done to ensure safety to the community during the construction?
Routine monitoring is part of the dam safety program even during construction. Monitoring includes in-depth periodic inspections. There are over 100 piezometers on the dam that provide real-time readings every 15 minutes. That information is immediately relayed to our dam safety experts for review and analysis to ensure the dam is operating as intended.
Q: What efforts will be taken to protect wildlife in the water and in the local area during construction?
USACE has coordinated with the State Department of Natural Resources for all required permits necessary. The project has been reviewed, and discussion have been held with the state. Restriction have been incorporated into the contract to meet restrictions requested by the state. Minimum to no impact is expected on protected wildlife.
Q: Why doesn’t USACE do the work themselves instead of contracting it out?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is contracting out the construction work for the Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project for several reasons.
• USACE contracts out all construction work because it's a cost-effective way to leverage specialized expertise and resources for large infrastructure projects.
• With this project, very specialized equipment is needed to complete the work, equipment that is designed for this type of work on dams specifically.
• USACE members have performed all the design work and has continued to monitor and evaluate dam performance. USACE has also contracted with specialized consultants for some specialty work like tunneling and blasting.