Browns Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Browns Lake Dam, located in Earlington, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 890 feet, providing storage for up to 467 acre-feet of water. The dam serves as a barrier on Clear Creek, creating a surface area of 41.3 acres and supporting a drainage area of 1.46 square miles.
Despite its age, Browns Lake Dam is in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2016, with a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet, ensuring proper water discharge during heavy rainfall events. The Kentucky Division of Water regulates and inspects the dam regularly, with a moderate risk assessment assigned to the structure. Overall, Browns Lake Dam remains a vital component in water resource management in the Hopkins County area, balancing the needs of the community with the preservation of the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
890 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.46 |
Nid Storage |
467 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
2210cfs |
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
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.
Browns Lake Dam