Beaver Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Beaver Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 60 ft (taller than 87.6% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 690 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 158 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00052 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
State Government
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Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Beaver Lake Dam built?
Beaver Lake Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Beaver Lake Dam?
Beaver Lake Dam has a dam height of 60 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Beaver Lake Dam last inspected?
Beaver Lake Dam was last inspected on January 18, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.