Cranks Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cranks Creek Lake Dam, also known as Herb Smith Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Harlan, Kentucky.


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Summary

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
       
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.