Scenic Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Scenic Lake Dam, located in Henderson, Kentucky, is a picturesque earth dam completed in 1950 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 300 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 359.26 acre-feet. With a surface area of 18.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.22 square miles, the dam provides a tranquil setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its scenic beauty, Scenic Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure public safety. The dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled, with no outlet gates identified. A risk assessment has deemed the dam to have a moderate risk level, indicating a need for vigilant monitoring and potential risk management measures.
Overall, Scenic Lake Dam offers a recreational haven in Henderson, Kentucky, attracting visitors to its serene waters and surrounding landscapes. However, its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the dam's long-term safety and functionality for water enthusiasts and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
OHIO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
359.26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
2cfs |
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
2cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6890cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Little Wabash River At Carmi
|
178cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scenic Lake Dam