Dorthae Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Corbin Reservoir Dam Fresh Water Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dorthae Dam, also known as Dorthae Lake, is a privately owned gravity dam located in Laurel, Kentucky, specifically in the city of Corbin.
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Summary
Built in 1926 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, this dam serves as a critical water supply source for the region, with a storage capacity of 508 acre-feet and a surface area of 36.7 acres. The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and stretches 260 feet in length, containing an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 199 feet.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Dorthae Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of January 2017, with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk level. With a drainage area of 97 square miles and its location on the Laurel River, Dorthae Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find Dorthae Dam to be a fascinating engineering feat with a rich history dating back nearly a century. As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in Laurel, Kentucky, this dam showcases the importance of proper regulation, inspection, and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of water storage facilities. Its role in mitigating flood risks and providing essential water resources to the community highlights the significance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
LAUREL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
36.7 |
Drainage Area |
97 |
Nid Storage |
508 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynn Camp Creek At Corbin
|
62cfs |
Rockcastle River At Billows
|
837cfs |
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
|
1660cfs |
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
|
1600cfs |
Goose Creek At Manchester
|
167cfs |
Buck Creek Near Shopville
|
122cfs |
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.
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Dorthae Dam
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