Newton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Guist Creek Lake Dam Lake Us 60
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Newton Lake Dam, located in Shelby, Kentucky, is a private recreational dam constructed in 1974 by the Soil Conservation Service.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 400 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 42.3 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Tick Creek and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
Managed for recreational purposes, Newton Lake Dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the Guist Creek Lake area. With a surface area of 4.2 acres and a low hazard potential, the dam provides a serene setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite being deemed in "Not Rated" condition, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, prompting ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.
As part of the Louisville District, Newton Lake Dam remains an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk character summary are yet to be fully assessed, its importance in providing recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall water management in the region is evident. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Newton Lake Dam a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and regulatory oversight.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TICK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.07 |
Nid Storage |
42.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Kentucky River At Lock 4 At Frankfort
|
5280cfs |
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
Brashears Creek At Taylorsville
|
144cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
318cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 5 Near Tyrone
|
5480cfs |
Floyds Fork At Fisherville
|
69cfs |
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.
Newton Lake Dam