Stanley Teague Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Powers Branch Goodin Creek Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Stanley Teague Lake Dam, located in Whitley, Kentucky, was completed in 1977 by WEST COAL CO.
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Summary
for the primary purpose of recreation. This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 370 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 49 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Whetstone Creek, has a surface area of 1.1 acres and drains a watershed area of 0.42 square miles.
Despite its recreational importance, Stanley Teague Lake Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in January 2017 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 18 feet wide, poses a potential risk in the event of heavy rainfall or flood events. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the KY Division of Water, with enforcement, inspection, and permitting responsibilities falling under the state's jurisdiction.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate may find Stanley Teague Lake Dam a compelling case study for the challenges faced by aging infrastructure and the importance of regular maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding community. The dam's location in a rural area highlights the need for effective emergency preparedness and coordination between private owners and state regulatory agencies to mitigate potential hazards and protect downstream communities from the impacts of dam failure.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
WHETSTONE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
49 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
|
1810cfs |
Clear Fork At Saxton
|
243cfs |
Lynn Camp Creek At Corbin
|
48cfs |
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
|
2140cfs |
Powell River Near Arthur
|
1370cfs |
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns
|
195cfs |
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.
Stanley Teague Lake Dam