Laurel Dam

LAUREL· Laurel, Kentucky· Built 1973· Rockfill·
High Hazard Recreation Other Hydroelectric Water Supply Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Laurel Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 Length1,420 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage435.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage185.0K acre-ft
Surface Area6,060 acres
Drainage Area282 sq mi
Max Discharge86,000 cfs
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDKY03046

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: Yes
Last Inspection: March 30, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Nashville District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Moonbow

Whitley, KY

Low Hazard 37 ft

Corbin Reservoir Dam

Laurel, KY

Significant Hazard 50 ft

Eagle Falls Resort & Restaurant

McCreary, KY

Significant Hazard 50 ft

Dorthae Dam

Laurel, KY

Significant Hazard 33 ft

London Reservoir Dam

Laurel, KY

Low Hazard 54 ft

Worley Lake Dam

McCreary, KY

Low Hazard 26 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Laurel Dam?

Laurel 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 Laurel Dam?

Laurel Dam is owned by USACE - Nashville District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Laurel Dam built?

Laurel Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Laurel Dam?

Laurel Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other, Hydroelectric, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Laurel Dam last inspected?

Laurel Dam was last inspected on March 30, 2022. 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.