Lake Carnico Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Carnico Dam, located in Millersburg, Kentucky, is a recreational earth dam built in 1963 on Big Brushy Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 68 feet and a length of 1030 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 2962.5 acre-feet for activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing on its 114-acre surface area. Despite its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment in 2017, the dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Kentucky Division of Water to ensure public safety.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a drainage area of 0.67 square miles. Although it lacks outlet gates and associated structures, Lake Carnico Dam remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its scenic location in Nicholas County, Kentucky. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date pending, indicating ongoing efforts to manage potential risks associated with the dam's operation and maintenance.
As a local government-owned structure, Lake Carnico Dam is a significant asset for the community, offering not only recreational opportunities but also serving as a vital water resource in the region. With its historical significance and continued relevance in modern times, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike can appreciate the beauty and functionality of Lake Carnico Dam while recognizing the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management strategies to ensure its long-term integrity and safety.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1030 |
Dam Height |
68 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BRUSHY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
114 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
2962.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
68 |
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.
Lake Carnico Dam