Thomas Lakes (Upper) Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Thomas Lakes (Upper) Dam, located in Owen County, Kentucky, was completed in 1940 and serves as a vital water supply source for the surrounding area.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 29 feet and stretching 230 feet in length, holds a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 42.4 acre-feet. The dam primarily regulates the flow of North Severn Creek and covers a surface area of 4.8 acres, with a drainage area of 0.12 square miles.
Despite its importance for water supply, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2016. With a low hazard potential but a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections, but its condition assessment highlights the need for attention to prevent any potential risks or failures in the future. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures may need to be revisited to address the identified deficiencies and ensure preparedness for any unforeseen events.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH SEVERN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 3 At Gest
|
4930cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 2 At Lockport
|
4990cfs |
Eagle Creek At Glencoe
|
107cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
284cfs |
Ohio River At Markland Dam Near Warsaw
|
44700cfs |
Eagle Creek At Sadieville
|
5cfs |
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.
Thomas Lakes (Upper) Dam