Mary Ross Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shelby Lake Dam Bohn Farms Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mary Ross Lake Dam, located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 680 feet in length, creating a serene lake with a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet. The dam sits on Clear Creek and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.
Despite having a low hazard potential, Mary Ross Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a surface area of 20.2 acres, providing ample space for recreational activities such as boating and fishing. With its beautiful surroundings and historical significance, the dam serves as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of human-made structures and natural landscapes in Kentucky.
Visitors to Mary Ross Lake Dam can appreciate its tranquil setting and the engineering marvel of its construction, while also recognizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of this recreational water resource. As a key feature in the Louisville District, this dam represents a harmonious blend of nature and human intervention, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to engage with the complexities of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
680 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.46 |
Nid Storage |
284 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Mary Ross Lake Dam