Hurricane Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hurricane Lake Dam, located in Nelson, Kentucky, along Wilson Creek, was completed in 1950 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 45 feet high and spans 490 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 535 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 406.6 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 28 feet, making it a significant hazard with a fair condition assessment.

Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a hazard potential rating of significant, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures and emergency action preparedness to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. With its captivating location and purpose, Hurricane Lake Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and study the intersection of human infrastructure and natural forces.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

WILSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

1.03

Nid Storage

535

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

45
       
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.