Lake Washburn Reservoir Report
Nearby: Silver Beach Lake Dam Maple Leaf Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Washburn, located in Hartford, Kentucky, is a state-owned reservoir on the Rough River, designed for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam, standing at 26 feet tall and 840 feet long, was completed in 1950 and boasts a storage capacity of 328.5 acre-feet. With a surface area of 25.8 acres and a drainage area of 0.85 square miles, the reservoir offers a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various water activities.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Lake Washburn has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its safety and integrity. While the spillway is uncontrolled, the reservoir is equipped to handle emergency situations with an emergency action plan in place. With its scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities, Lake Washburn serves as a vital water resource for the community and a popular destination for climate and water enthusiasts to appreciate and explore.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
840 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
ROUGH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.85 |
Nid Storage |
328.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
Caney Creek Near Horse Branch
|
49cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
3160cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
4020cfs |
Ohio River At Cannelton Dam At Cannelton
|
49000cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
57cfs |
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 Washburn