Watson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walker Dam Dixon City Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Watson Lake Dam, located in Tilden, Kentucky, along Caldwell Creek, is a privately owned Earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 275 feet, creating a surface area of 3.1 acres and a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in August 2013.
Maintained by the Kentucky Division of Water, Watson Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with water resource management guidelines. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its construction, it does have an uncontrolled spillway and is situated within a drainage area of 0.02 square miles. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date and a hazard potential rated as low.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Watson Lake Dam represents a historical and recreational site in Webster County, Kentucky. With its serene waters and surrounding natural beauty, the dam offers a peaceful escape for visitors seeking outdoor activities and relaxation. While its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of concern, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight by state agencies ensure that the dam continues to serve its purpose safely and responsibly for both human enjoyment and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
CALDWELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
2cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6890cfs |
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.
Watson Lake Dam