Otter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Otter Lake Dam No 2 Otter Lake Dam 3
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Otter Lake Dam, located in Hanson, Kentucky, serves as a vital recreation hotspot along Otter Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1959, the dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 550 feet, providing a scenic reservoir with a storage capacity of 695 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering visitors a chance to enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities in a serene natural setting.
Despite its recreational appeal, Otter Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment in 2018. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, which conducts regular inspections and enforces necessary maintenance measures. While the risk assessment deems the dam's risk as moderate, efforts to improve its condition and emergency preparedness are essential to ensure public safety.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Otter Lake Dam highlights the importance of balancing recreation with dam safety and maintenance. Understanding the dam's design, purpose, and risk factors underscores the need for continued monitoring and management to preserve both the natural beauty of the area and the safety of those who visit.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.61 |
Nid Storage |
695 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
2210cfs |
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
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.
Otter Lake Dam