Kentucky Horse Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Kentucky Horse Park Dam, also known as Kentucky Horse Park Lake, is a state-owned structure located in the Great Crossing Area of Fayette, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at 13 feet tall and spans a length of 670 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 53.4 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 6.1 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Horse Park Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in August 2017. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety and integrity. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has met state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, demonstrating a commitment to responsible water resource management.

Located along the Cane Run river, the Kentucky Horse Park Dam serves as a valuable recreational resource for the community while also contributing to water conservation efforts in the region. With its tranquil lake and picturesque surroundings, this dam is a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in supporting both environmental and recreational interests in Kentucky.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

CANE RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.1

Drainage Area

0.53

Nid Storage

53.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.