Chenoa Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chenoa Lake Dam, located in Bell County, Kentucky, serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Constructed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans a length of 980 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a surface area of 33.5 acres for activities like fishing and boating on Chenoa Lake.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Chenoa Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Although the dam has a high hazard potential, it is currently in satisfactory condition, with the last assessment conducted in May 2018. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway of the dam is designed to handle excess water with a width of 200 feet, mitigating the risk of overflow during heavy rainfall events.

With a moderate risk assessment rating, Chenoa Lake Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water management and recreational purposes in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Chenoa Lake are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of these crucial structures.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.5

Drainage Area

6.4

Nid Storage

1300

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.