Lees Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lees Lake Dam, also known as Twin Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Scott County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 510 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 175.7 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for water enthusiasts to enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities in the area.

Despite its recreational benefits, Lees Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's inspection frequency is set at three years, with the last inspection conducted in March 2017. The Kentucky Division of Water is the state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the dam's maintenance and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. The risk assessment for Lees Lake Dam is categorized as moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Lees Lake Dam become increasingly crucial. With its location on the TR-North Fork Elkhorn Creek, this dam serves as a vital component of the local watershed, providing both recreational opportunities and flood control benefits. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for the proper management and maintenance of dams like Lees Lake Dam to ensure their long-term sustainability and safety for both humans and the environment.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FORK ELKHORN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

263

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

32
       
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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.