Carpenter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carpenter Lake Dam, located in Owensboro, Kentucky, was completed in 1936 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 325 feet in length, impounding a total storage capacity of 441.4 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Pup Creek and is managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, ensuring state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its safety and integrity.

With a hazard potential rated as low and a moderate risk assessment, Carpenter Lake Dam remains a secure and well-maintained structure in the Louisville District. Although its condition assessment is marked as not rated, the dam receives regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety. While the spillway type is uncontrolled, the surrounding area offers a surface area of 62.2 acres for recreational activities, attracting visitors who appreciate the intersection of water resources and climate conservation efforts in this scenic location.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a serene recreational escape, Carpenter Lake Dam provides a picturesque setting in Daviess County, Kentucky. With its historical significance dating back to the 1930s and its modern-day management by the state regulatory agency, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices and environmental stewardship. Whether exploring the surrounding area or simply admiring the beauty of Pup Creek, visitors can appreciate the balance between human recreation and natural resource conservation at Carpenter Lake Dam.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

PUP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62.2

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

441.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.