Goode Pay Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sam Smith Dam Morrison Onan Farm Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Washington County, Kentucky, Goode Pay Dam, also known as Goode Pay Lake, is a privately owned earth dam that stands at 30 feet tall and spans 260 feet in length.
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Summary
Completed in 1956 by the Soil Conservation Service, the dam serves as a recreational site along the TR-East Fork Beech Fork river/stream, offering a surface area of 2.5 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With a normal storage capacity of 24.5 acre-feet, the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and holds a low hazard potential rating.
Despite not being rated for condition assessment, Goode Pay Dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection dating back to December 2004. While the dam is primarily used for recreation, it also plays a role in flood risk management, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates suggest a simpler design, in line with its low hazard potential. Owned by a private entity, the dam continues to provide a picturesque setting for visitors to appreciate the intersection of water resources and climate in the Kentucky landscape.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST FORK BEECH FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.07 |
Nid Storage |
24.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beech Fork At Maud
|
101cfs |
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
177cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 7 At Highbridge
|
5960cfs |
Dix River Near Danville
|
291cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 6 Near Salvisa
|
5420cfs |
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.
Goode Pay Dam