Ray Carter Farm Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Grayson, Kentucky, the Ray Carter Farm Lake Dam, also known as Carter Lake, was completed in 1965 and serves as a private recreational facility.
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Summary
The dam, designed by GOBEL MATTINGLY, stands at 30 feet tall and spans a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Dry Branch Creek and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor. The inspection frequency is set at every five years, with the last inspection conducted in May 2017. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. With its beautiful surroundings and recreational purpose, the Ray Carter Farm Lake Dam is an important water resource in the area, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety protocols for the community's enjoyment and safety.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
DRY BRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.17 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Caney Creek Near Horse Branch
|
39cfs |
Barren River At Bowling Green
|
349cfs |
Bacon Creek Near Priceville
|
21cfs |
Nolin River At White Mills
|
116cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
2210cfs |
Drakes Creek Near Alvaton
|
150cfs |
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.
Ray Carter Farm Lake Dam