Laurel Creek Lake Dam Dam
Laurel Creek Lake Dam
Laurel Creek Lake Dam, located in Cumberland Falls State Park in McCreary, Kentucky, serves as a vital water supply resource for the local community. Built in 1987, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 360 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1900 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Laurel Creek Lake Dam is classified as a moderate risk structure. Despite its risks, the dam has been effectively managed to meet safety guidelines and protocols. In case of emergencies, the dam operators are prepared with emergency action plans, although details on the last review and updates are currently unavailable. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 25 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water to prevent flooding downstream.
Laurel Creek Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for water supply in the region, with a primary purpose of serving the local community's water needs. As part of the Louisville District, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of Marsh Creek. Its location within the picturesque Cumberland Falls State Park adds to its significance, providing not just water but also contributing to the natural beauty and ecosystem of the area.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Laurel Creek Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns | 197 cfs | → |
| Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls | 1,020 cfs | → |
| Cumberland River At Williamsburg | 866 cfs | → |
| Clear Fork At Saxton | 226 cfs | → |
| South Fk Cumberland River At Leatherwood Ford | 963 cfs | → |
| New River At New River | 431 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laurel Creek Lake Dam.
Boat launches
See all →
Campgrounds
See all →
Fishing spots
See all →
River runs
See all →
About Laurel Creek Lake Dam
Where does the data for Laurel Creek Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.