Mt Gilead Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mt Gilead Lake Dam, located in Gamaliel, Kentucky, is a private earth dam completed in 1950 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Situated on the Barren River within the Nashville District, the dam stands at 20 feet high and spans a length of 480 feet, with a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet. The dam, owned by a private entity, is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Mt Gilead Lake Dam is rated as moderate risk level 3, indicating some potential risks associated with its operation and maintenance. The dam lacks a formal condition assessment rating, but has not been significantly modified since its construction. With a drainage area of 0.86 square miles and a surface area of 12.3 acres, the dam serves as a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
While Mt Gilead Lake Dam has not been rated for its current condition, it remains an important feature in the Monroe County landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and potential risks that must be managed effectively. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Mt Gilead Lake is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of these structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
BARREN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.86 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Mt Gilead Lake Dam