Smokey Valley Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Smokey Valley Dam, also known as Carter Caves State Park, is a state-owned earth dam located in Iron Hill, Kentucky.
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Summary
Built in 1953 by the Department of Conservation - Division of Parks, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes along Smokey Creek. With a height of 37 feet and a length of 260 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 845 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the area.
Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in December 2016. The Kentucky Division of Water regulates and inspects the dam regularly to ensure its safety and enforcement. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam requires ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential threats and safeguard the surrounding community.
In the picturesque setting of Carter, Kentucky, Smokey Valley Dam stands as a vital recreational and water resource structure. While facing challenges in its condition assessment, the dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate the role it plays in providing essential services to the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
SMOKEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35.3 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
845 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sandy River At Grayson
|
248cfs |
Tygarts Creek Near Greenup
|
85cfs |
Upper Twin Creek At Mcgaw Oh
|
2cfs |
North Fork Triplett Creek Near Morehead
|
29cfs |
Ohio River At Greenup Dam Near Greenup
|
33900cfs |
Ohio River At Ironton
|
25600cfs |
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.
Smokey Valley Dam