Panbowl Lake
Key Takeaway
Panbowl Lake is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 46 ft (taller than 81% in KY) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 6.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 98 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | KY00108 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Panbowl Lake?
Panbowl Lake 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 Panbowl Lake?
Panbowl Lake is owned by KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Panbowl Lake built?
Panbowl Lake was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Panbowl Lake?
Panbowl Lake 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 Panbowl Lake?
Panbowl Lake has a dam height of 46 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 Panbowl Lake last inspected?
Panbowl Lake was last inspected on November 15, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.