Pennington Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pennington Dam, also known as Sibley Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Henry County, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this recreational dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 320 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 73.2 acre-feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities in the area.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Pennington Dam has a low hazard potential but is assessed to be in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2017. Despite its condition, the dam remains a moderate risk due to its structural integrity and the potential impact of a breach. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a surface area of 7.3 acres for boating, fishing, and other leisure activities along the Little Kentucky River.
Although Pennington Dam may have some maintenance concerns, its scenic location in Sulphur, Kentucky, offers visitors a tranquil setting to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. With proper oversight and risk management measures in place, this earth dam continues to be a valuable resource for water recreation and a reminder of the importance of maintaining our water infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE KY. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Pennington Dam