Lake Sympson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Sympson Dam in Kentucky is a rockfill structure completed in 1963, designed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This dam, located in Nelson County near West Point, spans 1030 feet in length and stands at a height of 73 feet, with a storage capacity of 6350 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Buffalo Creek and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement conducted by the state agency.

With a surface area of 180 acres and a drainage area of 9.1 square miles, Lake Sympson Dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding area. However, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, with a significant hazard potential. Despite these challenges, the risk assessment deems the dam's risk as moderate, and it is subject to regular inspection every three years to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Lake Sympson Dam represents a vital water resource infrastructure in Kentucky, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and risk management in safeguarding our climate and water supply.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1030

Dam Height

73

River Or Stream

BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

180

Drainage Area

9.1

Nid Storage

6350

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

73
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.