Kington Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Otter Lake Dam No 2 Otter Lake Dam 3
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Kington Lake, located in Hopkins County, Kentucky, is a private reservoir primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a surface area of 7.7 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 130 acre-feet, the dam that created the lake was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 35 feet. However, recent inspections have raised concerns about its condition, as it has been assessed as poor with a high hazard potential.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Kington Lake is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 30 feet wide, is the primary outlet for the reservoir. Despite its moderate risk rating, the lake's emergency action plan (EAP) may need updating to meet current guidelines, and there are no inundation maps prepared in case of a potential breach. As climate change continues to impact water resources, monitoring and maintaining infrastructure like Kington Lake will be crucial for both recreational enjoyment and the safety of surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
POGUE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
2210cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
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.
Kington Lake