Martin County Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Martin County Lake Dam, located in Kentucky, was completed in 1964 and serves as a recreational water resource for the surrounding area.
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Summary
It is owned by the Department of Fish & Wildlife and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water. The dam is an earth type structure with a height of 40 feet and a length of 375 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet.
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam has been assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2017 found that the dam is in need of maintenance and repairs. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community in case of emergencies.
The dam is situated along Rockhouse Creek in Martin County and is under the jurisdiction of the state of Kentucky. With its beautiful natural surroundings and recreational opportunities, Martin County Lake Dam provides a valuable water resource for both residents and visitors alike. However, continued attention and investment in the dam's maintenance and safety protocols are crucial to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
ROCKHOUSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.41 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
542cfs |
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1670cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
25cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
460cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
22cfs |
Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville
|
42cfs |
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.
Martin County Lake Dam