Lake Gem dam
Lake Gem
Lake Gem in Kingston, Kentucky, is a federally-owned reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation. Constructed in 1974 by W. D. Gentry, this Earth dam stands at 25 feet high and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 592 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and inspected by the US Army, with a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating.
Situated on Hayes Fork River, Lake Gem offers a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts, with a surface area of 7 acres for activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, and fire protection. The controlled spillway, with a width of 30 feet, ensures proper water management in case of overflow. While the condition assessment is not available, the last inspection in November 2020 revealed no significant issues, and the emergency action plan was last revised in August 2009.
With its picturesque location in Madison County, Kentucky, Lake Gem is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape. Managed by the US Army, this reservoir provides a vital water source for the community while serving as a recreational haven. Whether you're looking to relax by the water's edge or explore the surrounding natural beauty, Lake Gem offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure for all who visit.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Gem -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky River At Lock 11 Near College Hill | 461 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 10 Near Winchester | 541 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine | · | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 9 At Valley View | 522 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 8 Near Camp Nelson | 463 cfs | → |
| Red River At Clay City | 509 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Gem .
Boat launches
- Wilgreen Lake Road Madison County
- Radford Hollow Road 145, Madison County
- Main Street Irvine
- College Hill Road Madison County
- Tates Creek Road 3302, Madison County
- John Nickell Boat Ramp Jessamine County
Campgrounds
- Fort Boonesborough State Park
- Renfro Valley Boat Dock
- S-Tree Campground Free
- Logan-Hubble County Park
- S-Tree Campground
- S - Tree Rec Area
Fishing spots
- Long Bend Fishing Site
- Fishing Point
- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
Track Lake Gem in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Gem
Where does the data for Lake Gem come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Gem .