Otter Lake Dam 3

Hopkins, Kentucky· Earth· 25 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Otter Lake Dam 3 is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. 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	25 ft (taller than 27% in KY)
Dam Length	280 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	80 acre-ft
Normal Storage	55 acre-ft

Surface Area	4 acres
NID ID	KY01247

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: May 8, 2024

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

Robert & Shelia Hulbig

Private

Nearby Dams

Otter Lake Dam No 2

Hopkins, KY

High Hazard 35 ft

Otter Lake Dam

Hopkins, KY

High Hazard 28 ft

Swan Lake Dam

Hopkins, KY

Low Hazard 35 ft

Kington Lake

Hopkins, KY

High Hazard 35 ft

Lake Peewee Dam

Hopkins, KY

High Hazard 32 ft

Spring Lake Dam

Hopkins, KY

High Hazard 25 ft

Price Martin Lake Dam

Hopkins, KY

Low Hazard 43 ft

Madisonville Reservoir Dam No 1 (North)

Hopkins, KY

Significant Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Otter Lake Dam 3?

Otter Lake Dam 3 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 Otter Lake Dam 3?

Otter Lake Dam 3 is owned by Robert & Shelia Hulbig (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Otter Lake Dam 3?

Otter Lake Dam 3 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 Otter Lake Dam 3?

Otter Lake Dam 3 has a dam height of 25 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 Otter Lake Dam 3 last inspected?

Otter Lake Dam 3 was last inspected on May 8, 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.