Important update regarding Dix Dam

Updated 4/7/2025, 9:00 a.m.

Late afternoon on Sunday, the company clarified incorrect information that was shared regarding a release at our Dix Dam generating station. Reports that 10 gates were inadvertently opened at Dix Dam were inaccurate.

On Friday evening, E.W. Brown employees opened spill gates in a controlled fashion according to the company’s Dam Safety Procedures. Per protocol, a notification was sent out Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. alerting local officials and emergency personnel that a planned release would be beginning in a few hours. The National Weather Service was provided the same notification which was then relayed to the Ohio River Forecasting Center to be factored into its river forecasts.

For additional context, E.W. Brown only releases inflow to Lake Herrington and no additional water into the river — meaning the flow of water is what would normally be in the river under current conditions. Flow into Herrington Lake has since subsided, and we are in the process of closing gates to maintain lake level until the Kentucky River crest subsides. As of this morning, only four gates are currently open, and E.W. Brown will gradually begin closing additional gates over the next couple days.