Cherokee Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Greenbo Lake Dam Harry Bailey Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cherokee Lake Dam, located in Greenup, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches 345 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 39.3 million cubic feet of water. Situated on the tributary of Little Sandy River, the dam boasts a surface area of 2.8 acres and a drainage area of 0.04 square miles.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Cherokee Lake Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam has undergone state inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes, ensuring its operational integrity. With a design by Fred Carney from West Virginia, this dam stands as a testament to human engineering ingenuity in harnessing water resources for recreational use while maintaining environmental sustainability.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status remains unreported, signifying a potential area for improvement in ensuring public safety. With its tranquil setting and scenic beauty, Cherokee Lake Dam provides a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the balance between human intervention and natural landscapes in managing water resources.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
345 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-LITTLE SANDY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
39.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ohio River At Ironton
|
25600cfs |
Tygarts Creek Near Greenup
|
85cfs |
Little Sandy River At Grayson
|
248cfs |
Ohio River At Greenup Dam Near Greenup
|
33900cfs |
Symmes Creek At Aid Oh
|
110cfs |
Upper Twin Creek At Mcgaw Oh
|
2cfs |
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.
Cherokee Lake Dam