Lake Lewman

ISLAND FORK· Rowan, Kentucky· Built 1967· Earth· 47 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Lewman is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 47 ft (taller than 81.6% in KY)
Dam Length580 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage576 acre-ft
Normal Storage380 acre-ft
Surface Area24 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDKY00365

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 12, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

LAKE LEWMAN ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Lewman?

Lake Lewman 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 Lake Lewman?

Lake Lewman is owned by LAKE LEWMAN ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Lewman built?

Lake Lewman was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Lewman?

Lake Lewman 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 Lewman?

Lake Lewman has a dam height of 47 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 Lewman last inspected?

Lake Lewman was last inspected on July 12, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.