Wood Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Wood Creek Lake Dam, located in Laurel, Kentucky, is a rockfill dam completed in 1969 with a height of 172 feet and a length of 800 feet.
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Summary
It serves as a vital water supply source, with a storage capacity of 44,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 23,270 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Rockcastle River and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water.
Despite being assessed as having a fair condition, Wood Creek Lake Dam has been designated as having a high hazard potential. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The last inspection in 2017 found the dam to be in fair condition, but its hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this critical infrastructure.
Wood Creek Lake Dam's primary purpose of supplying water underscores its crucial role in supporting the surrounding community. With its location in Hazel Patch and its association with the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam represents a key component of the region's water resource management strategy. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of maintaining and enhancing the resilience of dams like Wood Creek Lake Dam becomes increasingly apparent, making ongoing assessment and risk management efforts essential.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
172 |
River Or Stream |
ROCKCASTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
672 |
Drainage Area |
21.8 |
Nid Storage |
44000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
172 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rockcastle River At Billows
|
290cfs |
Buck Creek Near Shopville
|
66cfs |
Lynn Camp Creek At Corbin
|
34cfs |
Goose Creek At Manchester
|
87cfs |
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
|
1410cfs |
Sturgeon Creek At Cressmont
|
56cfs |
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.
Wood Creek Lake Dam