Shelby Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Shelby Lake Dam, located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, is a gravity dam built in 1955 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 1680 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Clear Creek, is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.
Despite its recreational focus, Shelby Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, indicating the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 250 feet, serving as a critical component in managing water levels and preventing potential overflows. The dam's location in a high-risk zone underscores the importance of diligent monitoring and emergency preparedness to mitigate any potential risks to surrounding areas.
Overall, Shelby Lake Dam presents a mix of recreational opportunities and risks, requiring ongoing attention and management to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the dam's continued functionality. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the dam's condition and any updates from regulatory agencies to contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of this vital infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
57 |
Drainage Area |
21.2 |
Nid Storage |
1680 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Shelby Lake Dam