Wayne Sacks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wayne Sacks Lake Dam, also known as Sacks Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Hancock, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1973 by the Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 410 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam has a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, drawing water from the TR-Blackford Creek.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The Kentucky Division of Water regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring state enforcement and permitting requirements are met. While the condition assessment is not rated, the last recorded inspection was in April 2007 with a scheduled frequency of every 5 years.
Given the dam's scenic location in the Scythia-area and its importance for recreational purposes, water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Wayne Sacks Lake Dam an intriguing site to visit. With its historical significance as a conservation project and its role in providing water storage for the local community, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACKFORD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Wayne Sacks Lake Dam
Hawesville