Ben Matthews Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jim Saylor Dam John Thomas Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ben Matthews Lake Dam, also known as Mathews Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Anderson, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 228 feet along the Pigeon Fork river. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being designated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the risk assessment for Ben Matthews Lake Dam indicates a moderate level of risk. The last inspection took place in October 2014 with a scheduled frequency of every 5 years, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.
Overall, Ben Matthews Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for water recreation enthusiasts in the region, providing a serene setting for outdoor activities. While it may pose a moderate risk, the dam's low hazard potential and regulatory oversight work together to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of this picturesque waterway.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
228 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
PIGEON FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Salt River At Glensboro
|
70cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 4 At Frankfort
|
5280cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 5 Near Tyrone
|
5480cfs |
Kentucky River At Lock 6 Near Salvisa
|
5420cfs |
Brashears Creek At Taylorsville
|
144cfs |
Elkhorn Creek Near Frankfort
|
318cfs |
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.
Ben Matthews Lake Dam