Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam

WEST HICKMAN CREEK· Fayette, Kentucky· Built 1902· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1902 and is 124 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 40 ft (taller than 72.8% in KY)
Dam Length1,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage2.1K acre-ft
Surface Area162 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1902 (124 years old)
NID IDKY00209

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: May 29, 2024
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

LAKEVIEW ESTATES ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam?

Lexington Reservoir 3 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 Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam?

Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam is owned by LAKEVIEW ESTATES ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam built?

Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam was completed in 1902, making it 124 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 Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam?

Lexington Reservoir 3 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 Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam?

Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam last inspected?

Lexington Reservoir 3 Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2024. 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.