Puckett Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Puckett Lake Dam, located in Estill County, Kentucky, was completed in 1908 by the L & N Railroad and serves as a recreational site for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 40 feet and a length of 800 feet, impounds the waters of Woodward Creek to create a surface area of 4.3 acres and a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The primary purpose of Puckett Lake Dam is recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in a picturesque natural setting. While the dam's spillway is uncontrolled and there are no outlet gates, the dam has withstood the test of time since its construction over a century ago. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, efforts are likely underway to manage and mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam and ensure the safety of its surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOODWARD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
188 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
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.
Puckett Lake Dam
College Hill Road Madison County