Lake Charles Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Charles Dam is classified as low hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 30 ft (taller than 49% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00921 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
LAKE CHARLES ASSOCIATION
Private
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Low Hazard 34 ftJm Stuart Station Ash Pond No. 5
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Significant Hazard 39 ftJm Stuart Station Ash Pond No. 6
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Significant Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam is owned by LAKE CHARLES ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Charles Dam built?
Lake Charles Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles Dam?
Lake Charles Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Lake Charles Dam last inspected?
Lake Charles Dam was last inspected on October 12, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.