Zachariah Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Zachariah Lake Dam, located in Lee County, Kentucky, serves as a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 380 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 455 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Sinking Creek, plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing irrigation for the surrounding area.

Despite its importance, Zachariah Lake Dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Kentucky Division of Water, which conducts regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's spillway, with a width of 45 feet, is uncontrolled, posing a potential risk in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding.

Efforts to address the dam's risk management and maintenance issues are essential to safeguard the community and environment downstream. With its moderate risk assessment rating, stakeholders need to prioritize safety measures and implement necessary upgrades to enhance the resilience of Zachariah Lake Dam in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

SINKING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

2.11

Nid Storage

455

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.