Gobins Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gobins Lake Dam, located in Nelson, Kentucky, was completed in 1955 and serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 325 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is deemed poor, highlighting the need for attention and maintenance to ensure its long-term stability.
Managed by a private owner, the Gobins Lake Dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 6.2 acres and a normal storage capacity of 36.4 acre-feet. Although it has a moderate risk assessment rating, there have been no recent modifications or updates to its emergency action plan, raising concerns about its readiness in the face of potential hazards or disasters.
Despite its scenic location along the TR-Cox Creek, Gobins Lake Dam's condition warrants closer monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the dam itself and the surrounding community. With a risk assessment rating of moderate and a poor condition assessment, there is a need for proactive measures to address any potential vulnerabilities and safeguard the dam's integrity for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COX CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.78 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beech Fork At Bardstown
|
177cfs |
Long Lick At Clermont
|
1cfs |
Beech Fork At Maud
|
101cfs |
Brashears Creek At Taylorsville
|
144cfs |
Cedar Creek At Hwy 1442 Near Shepherdsville
|
5cfs |
Floyds Fork Near Mt Washington
|
109cfs |
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.
Gobins Lake Dam