Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam

DIX RIVER· Garrard, Kentucky· Built 1940· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 4.2% in KY)
Dam Length360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage93 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDKY00090

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 4, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

CITY OF LANCASTER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam is owned by CITY OF LANCASTER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam built?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam last inspected?

Lancaster Reservoir Dam (West)Dam was last inspected on December 4, 2017. 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.