Bullock Pen Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bullock Pen Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 50 ft (taller than 83.2% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 52,245 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00055 |
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
Nearby Dams
Rolfes Dam
Grant, KY
Low Hazard 28 ftEagle Creek Country Club Lake Dam
Grant, KY
Low Hazard 46 ftMHT Lake Dam
Grant, KY
Significant Hazard 34 ftLloyd Dam
Grant, KY
Low Hazard 34 ftBoone Lake Dam
Boone, KY
Low Hazard 27 ftWallace Farm Lake Dam
Boone, KY
Low Hazard 27 ftBoltz Lake Dam
Grant, KY
High Hazard 62 ftWalton Reservoir (Boone) Dam
Boone, KY
Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bullock Pen Lake Dam?
Bullock Pen 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 Bullock Pen Lake Dam?
Bullock Pen 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 Bullock Pen Lake Dam built?
Bullock Pen Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Bullock Pen Lake Dam?
Bullock Pen Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bullock Pen Lake Dam?
Bullock Pen Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Bullock Pen Lake Dam last inspected?
Bullock Pen Lake Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.