Ken Ray Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Ken Ray is a private earth dam located in Lawrence, Indiana, along the South Fork Crawford Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a height of 64 feet and a hydraulic height of 59 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 1670 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 62 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second.

Despite being rated in fair condition during the last assessment in 2013, Ken Ray poses a significant hazard potential, with a high risk ranking of 2. The dam has a spillway width of 175 feet and is subject to regular inspections every 3 years. With its proximity to the Louisville District and under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Ken Ray is a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure, ensuring water supply and recreational opportunities for the community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ken Ray represents a critical aspect of water management and safety in Indiana. As a privately owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control, water storage, and recreational activities. Its condition assessment and risk management measures are key factors in ensuring the safety and functionality of the dam, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance in the face of changing climate conditions and environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

915

Dam Height

64

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK CRAWFORD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

59

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1968

Structural Height

64

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

64
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.