Guist Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Newton Lake Dam Huber Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Guist Creek Lake Dam, located in Shelby, Kentucky, is a vital structure managed by the Department of Fish & Wildlife for water supply purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1961, this Earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and stretches 1060 feet in length. It has a maximum storage capacity of 13,944 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 333.1 acres, serving the local community with a normal storage capacity of 4,724 acre-feet.
Despite its importance, the dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, last inspected in May 2017. The spillway, with a width of 75 feet, is uncontrolled, posing some risks to downstream areas. The dam also lacks Emergency Action Plans and has not been updated to meet current guidelines, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a need for improved risk management measures and regular inspections to ensure the safety and functionality of Guist Creek Lake Dam for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1060 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
GUIST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
333.1 |
Drainage Area |
29.7 |
Nid Storage |
13944 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 4 At Frankfort
|
5280cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
Brashears Creek At Taylorsville
|
144cfs |
Floyds Fork At Fisherville
|
69cfs |
Floyds Fork Near Pewee Valley
|
22cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
318cfs |
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.
Guist Creek Lake Dam