Elk Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Elk Lake Dam, located in Lusbys Mill vicinity, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure built in 1959 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, designed by Covington, Kentucky and O.G. Loomis & Sons, stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 550 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 3,373 acre-feet. Situated on Elk Creek, the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment in 2017, Elk Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for visitors, with a surface area of 207 acres and a drainage area of 5.47 square miles. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 112 feet, allowing for the release of excess water during periods of high flow. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk level as moderate, with a DSAC assignment date currently unavailable, it is crucial for emergency preparedness measures to be in place to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.
With Congressman Thomas Massie representing the area, Elk Lake Dam's importance lies not only in its recreational value but also in its role in water resource management and climate resilience. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the condition and management of dams like Elk Lake Dam is vital for promoting the sustainable use of water resources and ensuring the safety of communities downstream in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
207 |
Drainage Area |
5.47 |
Nid Storage |
3373 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 3 At Gest
|
4930cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 2 At Lockport
|
4990cfs |
Eagle Creek At Sadieville
|
5cfs |
Eagle Creek At Glencoe
|
107cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
284cfs |
North Elkhorn Creek At Georgetown
|
88cfs |
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.
Elk Lake Dam