Yelton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Yelton Lake Dam in Bracken, Kentucky, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1975 for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.2 acres.
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Summary
The dam, located on Locust Creek, has a height of 35 feet and a length of 325 feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway at Yelton Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is rated for moderate risk, with the last inspection conducted in 2009.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Yelton Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is designed by the Soil Conservation Service and funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to meet recreational needs in the area. With a moderate risk assessment and a history of regular inspections, Yelton Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community while maintaining a low hazard potential for surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Yelton Lake Dam