Cynthiana Impoundment Reservoir Report
Nearby: Darryl Nunnelley Twin Creek Frs No 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cynthiana Impoundment, also known as Terry Lake, is a gravity dam located in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on the South Fork Licking River.
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Summary
Built in 1920, the dam serves as a crucial water supply source for the local community, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a surface area of 65 acres. The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 190 feet, providing essential water resources for the region.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Cynthiana Impoundment is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in February 2016. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 190 feet, and it is situated within a drainage area of 604 square miles, highlighting its importance in managing water resources in the region.
With its moderate risk assessment level and satisfactory condition, Cynthiana Impoundment stands as a vital piece of infrastructure for water supply in Harrison County, Kentucky. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper management and maintenance of dams like Cynthiana Impoundment will be essential in ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the local community and beyond.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
190 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK LICKING RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
65 |
Drainage Area |
604 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Eagle Creek At Sadieville
|
11cfs |
Licking River At Mckinneysburg
|
1710cfs |
Licking River At Blue Lick Springs
|
1560cfs |
Hinkston Creek Near Carlisle
|
152cfs |
North Elkhorn Creek At Georgetown
|
129cfs |
South Fork Licking River At Hayes
|
414cfs |
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.
Cynthiana Impoundment