Cranks Creek Lake Dam, also known as Herb Smith Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Harlan, Kentucky.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1963, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 219 acres and a normal storage capacity of 6,400 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 120 feet and spans a length of 635 feet, holding back the waters of Martins Fork.
Despite its recreational benefits, Cranks Creek Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of May 2018. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet, and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Kentucky Division of Water. With a drainage area of 24.9 square miles, the dam is situated in a moderate-risk zone and requires regular inspections to ensure public safety.
Located in the Cawood area, Cranks Creek Lake Dam is a significant landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. As efforts continue to manage its hazard potential and improve its condition, the dam remains an integral part of the local landscape, offering opportunities for recreation and wildlife conservation in the heart of Kentucky's natural beauty.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
635 |
Dam Height |
120 |
River Or Stream |
MARTINS FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
219 |
Drainage Area |
24.9 |
Nid Storage |
18200 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
120 |
Martins Fork Near Smith
|
144cfs |
Martins Fork Above Smith
|
59cfs |
Powell River Near Jonesville
|
548cfs |
Cumberland River Near Harlan
|
582cfs |
Clinch River Near Looneys Gap
|
1750cfs |
Poor Fork At Cumberland
|
103cfs |