Princeton Railroad Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hillview Farms Dam Gholson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Princeton Railroad Lake Dam, located in Caldwell County, Kentucky, was completed in 1917 by the Illinois Central Railroad and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 234 acre-feet. The dam spans 600 feet in length and creates a surface area of 39.5 acres on Goose Creek.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of condition assessment, it is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Kentucky Division of Water. Despite its moderate risk assessment, with a score of 3, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps. With its historical significance and recreational value, Princeton Railroad Lake Dam remains a focal point for water management and safety in the Princeton-area community.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
GOOSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39.5 |
Drainage Area |
5.74 |
Nid Storage |
650 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tradewater River At Olney
|
26cfs |
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
39cfs |
Clarks River At Almo
|
37cfs |
Clarks River At Murray
|
15cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
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.
Princeton Railroad Lake Dam