Allen E Kennedy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Allen E Kennedy Lake Dam, also known as Kennedy Lake, is a private dam located in Hancock, Kentucky, along Lead Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 33 feet high and stretches 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 3.8 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Allen E Kennedy Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, suggesting a need for further evaluation. The last inspection conducted in December 2014 revealed no major concerns, but a more recent assessment may be necessary to ensure the continued safety of the structure.
With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, Allen E Kennedy Lake Dam serves as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Kentucky. While its risk assessment remains moderate, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts by the state regulatory agency help to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of visitors to this charming dam on Lead Creek.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
LEAD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Allen E Kennedy Lake Dam
Hawesville